Tips and tricks for entering NCAA

Insider information

Whether it's your very first time entering the Award, or you've been a finalist before, this advice could make all the difference.

Prep your entry

We recommend that you compile a draft of your submission before filling out the entry form. You can't 'save' the form and come back to it later on, so it's best to be ready to go.

Written statements

You will need to supply two written statements to accompany your entry for judging. Get someone with fresh eyes to proof-read your text before you submit it.

Artist Statement

Maximum 150 words

Use this artist statement to describe the intention, inspiration, or ideas that inform your artwork. If your work is selected as a finalist, this text will be used for the artwork label in the exhibition.

Catalogue Caption

Maximum 50 words

The catalogue caption is a short version of the artist statement which will be used in the exhibition catalogue if your work is selected as a finalist.

Images of your work

For judging, you will need to supply at least one photograph of your entire work (or a link to a video if it is a digital work).

Hero image

  • Recommended specs are 1280px x 960px
  • Minimum 800px by 600px
  • Maximum 4MB file size

This primary image will also be used in the exhibition catalogue if your work is selected as a finalist.

Supporting images

You can upload as many as four supporting images to show further detail of your work to the judge.

The rules are the rules

This Award is decided through a blind-judging process. That means your entry has to be anonymous or it is not eligible.

(We collect your contact details as part of the entry form, but this is kept confidential from the judge.)

  • When selecting images of your work, don't include a headshot of yourself.
  • Make sure written statements meet the criteria, and don't just throw in your artist bio.

Thoroughly read the conditions of entry before you start your submission and email museum@hcc.govt.nz if you have any questions.