Rotorua Museum Art Awards 2026 Finalist Exhibition showcases winning and finalist works from artists across the Bay of Plenty.
5 Feb-1 March | open daily 10am–4pm
FREE ENTRY
This year received 188 artworks from 149 artists. The Awards will be judged by Julie Catchpole, former Director of The Suter Art Gallery Te Aratoi o Whakatū (Nelson), who will also select the finalist works. Visitors can vote for their favourite artwork to decide the Coombes Johnston BMW People’s Choice Award. Proceeds from artwork sales support Rotorua Museum’s re-opening.

Judge’s Talk: Julie Catchpole
Thurs 5 Feb | 10am-11am
FREE ENTRY
This year’s Rotorua Museum Art Awards judge, Julie Catchpole, will have the unenviable task of selecting artworks from the many entrants to form the Finalist Exhibition.
Hear from Julie about her judging process in a special free talk held in the Finalist Exhibition. Highly regarded New Zealand Art Gallery Director, Julie Catchpole, has recently concluded an exceptional 17-year career at the helm of The Suter Art Gallery Te Aratoi o Whakatū (Nelson).

Meet the Artists
Sat 21 Feb | 11am-12pm
FREE ENTRY
Take the opportunity to come and chat with some of the artists that had works specially chosen for the Rotorua Museum Art Awards 2026 Finalist Exhibition. Finalist artists have been invited to be in the gallery and be available to answer questions about their artworks. Learn more about the creation and story behind some of these amazing pieces right from the artists themselves.

FREE EVENT