The Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi announces the 2025 Springboard recipients—six early career artists wanting to further their creative careers with the support of this programme, made possible by generous donors who believe in the power of investing in the next generation of creative talent.

Now in its sixth year, Springboard provides each recipient with a $15,000 gift and a year-long mentorship with an established artist from the Arts Foundation alumni or wider arts community. Mentors receive a $5,000 koha in recognition of their guidance.

“Money. Mentoring. Two of the most essential elements we can provide to early career artists. Our Springboard programme continues to be exciting, highly anticipated and truly lives up to its reputation as ‘ones to watch.’ Through the giving and amazing generosity of individuals and families we can award early career artists every year with this opportunity. 2025 is no different as we welcome six more remarkable artists to our whānau – where they are matched with their choice of mentor – we then have the awesome job of amplifying their work, continuing to see them nurture their creative practice and all of us get to be a part of their journey. This is the hard work (and the heart work) and I can’t wait to see where they go next… ” – Jessica Palalagi, Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi General Manager

Receiving the Springboard Award for Film gifted by Jamie and Ann Selkirk

Receiving the Springboard Award gifted by The Edgar Family

Receiving the Springboard Award for Visual Arts gifted by The Edgar Family

Receiving the Springboard Award for Visual Arts gifted by Dr Fiona Pardington and Starkwhite

Receiving the Springboard Award for Theatre gifted by The NZ Players Trust

Receiving the Springboard Award for Dance gifted by Marko and Jennifer Bogoievski

“[This Award is] Validation that I am not delusional about this art thing and that I probably shouldn’t give up” – 2025 Springboard Recipient Jaya Robertson

“The endorsement from the Arts Foundation is very motivating and I’m pleased to be recognised for the work I have done so far. Hopefully, I’m just getting started! I look forward to a fruitful association with the community of artists and enthusiasts from the Arts Foundation for many years to come.” – 2025 Springboard Recipient Liam Wooding

“I’m really grateful and it feels really cosmic to receive such an award. It is another tohu to keep continuing making and sharing my toi and I really look forward to working with and learning from a mentor. Bless!” – 2025 Springboard Recipient Ming Ranginui

“We feel very very very very grateful and blessed to have been selected for this award, we were lost for words when we received the call. This is going to help us sustain our practice and afford us extra time and space for research and exploration. This has given us just the boost we needed, both financially and mentally, to further commit to our making.” – 2025 Springboard Recipients Qianye 林千叶 and Qianhe Lin 林千和

“It means a lot to know that there are people who support and believe in me. I wouldn’t be where I am without all the people who have already come alongside and invested into me over the years. I am so grateful and encouraged to keep going.” – 2025 Springboard Recipient Talia Pua

“It’s an honor. To be named alongside an alumni of artists that I admire is honestly a huge honor. To know that you are “seen” as an artist—I feel truly blessed.” – 2025 Springboard Recipient Villa Junior Lemanu

The selection criteria focuses on awarding creatives with outstanding potential who want to start careers in a variety of arts discipline.

To be considered for the Springboard programme:

• The artist must show potential to develop a sustainable career and practice in the arts.
• The award must have major impact on the artist to carry out working as an artist for a year.
• The artist could have developed a practice independent of any formal training institution.
• They will show potential to develop their careers either as independent artists or within a creative
• The artist needs to show commitment and intent for a career.
• There are some awards that have specific criteria:
• The Springboard Award for Dance gifted by Jennifer and Marko Bogoievski
• The Springboard Award for Visual Arts gifted by The Edgar Family
• The Springboard Award for Visual Arts gifted by Dr Fiona Pardington and Starkwhite
• The Springboard Award for Film gifted by Jamie and Ann Selkirk
• The Springboard Award for Theatre gifted by The NZ Players Trust

The Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi called for Springboard nominations in November 2024, and an independent selection panel gathered late February 2025 to review the submissions received.

The selection panel, chaired by Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi Trustee Tanea Heke, included:

• Chloe Cull (Pouarataki Curator Māori at Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū)
• Ruth Buchanan (Director at Artspace Auckland)
• Dr. Jeremy Mayall (Composer, Musician and CEO of Creative Waikato)
• Shona McCullagh (Artistic Director, 2002 Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi Laureate)
• Ahi Karunaharan (Theatre maker, 2020 Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi Laureate)
• Pietra Brettkelly (Film maker, 2019 Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi Laureate)

These Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi Springboard packages have been funded thanks to the generous support of:

The Edgar Family, The Todd Trust, Jamie and Ann Selkirk, Dr. Fiona Pardington with Starkwhite, Jennifer and Marko Bogoievski, and The NZ Players Tust.