AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND.- Sixteen of New Zealand’s most renowned artists are drawn together for the first time in one show in Tribute, opening at Auckland Art Gallery this Friday night. The exhibition showcases visual artists honoured by the Arts Foundation of New Zealand through two major awards: Icons are recognised for a lifetime of significant achievement and are limited to a living circle of 20. Laureates are prime movers in New Zealand art with the potential to continue producing work of an international standard.

The Arts Foundation was formed in 1998 by a committed group of arts patrons to celebrate and support excellence across all art forms. The Foundation appoints a panel of experts to select the artists, who are unaware they are being considered.
Curator Ron Brownson says, “Tribute provides a cross section of some of our finest examples of contemporary art”.

The launch at Auckland Art Gallery’s main gallery, cnr Wellesley and Kitchener Sts, on Friday 30 June at 6pm. Poet Bill Manhire will speak at 6.30pm. Tribute will open across the road at the New Gallery from 7pm. Icons: Len Castle (potter), Pakariki Harrison (carver), Ralph Hotere (visual artist), Milan Mrkusich (visual artist), Diggeress Te Kanawa (weaver). Laureates: Phil Dadson (intermedia artist), Neil Dawson (sculptor), Warwick Freeman (jeweller), Humphrey Ikin (furniture maker), Derek Lardelli (Ta Moko artist), Julia Morison (visual artist), Michael Parekowhai (visual artist), Peter Peryer (visual artist), John Pule (writer, visual artist), Ann Robinson (sculptor), Ronnie van Hout (visual artist).

Secondary school students will enjoy performances by Laureates including Neil Ieremia, Gaylene Preston, Bill Manhire, Helen Medlyn and 2003 Olympic Games composer John Psathas at the Forsyth Barr Laureates On-Stage workshops, funded by ASB Trusts, in the Gallery Auditorium in late July.