Molly Morpeth Canaday Award Sponsor Profiles
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The Molly Morpeth Canaday (Whakatāne) Fund
Major Award - $10,000 Molly Morpeth Canaday Award is presented by Arts Whakatāne and exhibition partner, Te Kōputu a te whanga a Toi - Whakatāne Library and Exhibition Centre. This annual non-acquisitive award is dedicated to excellence across contemporary and traditional painting and drawing and 3D genres in alternate years. The award has developed over 30 years and sits credibly within the New Zealand arts community. A high standard of work is selected to form the exhibition from nationwide entries by three pre-selection judges working independently. For participants, the award offers professional development opportunities to artists by showcasing their practice to peers, collectors, critics, museum curators, the media and the community at large. |
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The Akel Award - $4,000
Auckland based barrister William Akel talks with me about his strong ties to Whakatāne and his connection to the arts and whenua.
Talking with William (Willy) Akel has confirmed that once a Whakatāne local, always a Whakatāne local - his love for his hometown is palpable, as is his dedication and support for the arts.
As we both enthusiastically raved about the bend in the road just at Otamarakau where the spectacular East Coast is revealed, William made the comment that he regards Whakatāne as his spiritual home. Not only was he born and bred there, but continues to engage with the community, not least by sponsoring a major prize for the Molly Morpeth Canaday Award.
William’s aspirations for Whakatāne extend beyond the iconic tourism and fishing destination, and shares our vision of the Molly Morpeth Canaday Award being promoted nationally as the pre-eminent provincial art award.
“I want to see the arts flourish in Whakatāne and be the centre of artistic excellence”
Realising that raising the bar and attracting quality entries to the MMCA requires continuing multi-level support, he knows that art can also be a challenge... “which is the point...”, and why bringing more diverse groups and schools through the exhibition is crucial.
Gaining insights into an artist’s practice and developing an inherent intuition as to what the artist is saying is how William describes the importance of the gallery’s role in the award, and commends the talks and public programmes the team at Te Kōputu a te whanga a Toi - Whakatāne Library and Exhibition Centre develop...and when asked about the importance of keeping the MMCA local and based in Whakatāne, his response is undeniable - his wish to grow the award is paramount, and kept in the region it was originated in.
Of course being established artist Robyn Hughes’s partner, and uncle to award winning artist Anoushka Akel must help his resolve to champion the arts and bringing the highest quality arts possible to the Eastern Bay of Plenty region is key.
Auckland based barrister William Akel talks with me about his strong ties to Whakatāne and his connection to the arts and whenua.
Talking with William (Willy) Akel has confirmed that once a Whakatāne local, always a Whakatāne local - his love for his hometown is palpable, as is his dedication and support for the arts.
As we both enthusiastically raved about the bend in the road just at Otamarakau where the spectacular East Coast is revealed, William made the comment that he regards Whakatāne as his spiritual home. Not only was he born and bred there, but continues to engage with the community, not least by sponsoring a major prize for the Molly Morpeth Canaday Award.
William’s aspirations for Whakatāne extend beyond the iconic tourism and fishing destination, and shares our vision of the Molly Morpeth Canaday Award being promoted nationally as the pre-eminent provincial art award.
“I want to see the arts flourish in Whakatāne and be the centre of artistic excellence”
Realising that raising the bar and attracting quality entries to the MMCA requires continuing multi-level support, he knows that art can also be a challenge... “which is the point...”, and why bringing more diverse groups and schools through the exhibition is crucial.
Gaining insights into an artist’s practice and developing an inherent intuition as to what the artist is saying is how William describes the importance of the gallery’s role in the award, and commends the talks and public programmes the team at Te Kōputu a te whanga a Toi - Whakatāne Library and Exhibition Centre develop...and when asked about the importance of keeping the MMCA local and based in Whakatāne, his response is undeniable - his wish to grow the award is paramount, and kept in the region it was originated in.
Of course being established artist Robyn Hughes’s partner, and uncle to award winning artist Anoushka Akel must help his resolve to champion the arts and bringing the highest quality arts possible to the Eastern Bay of Plenty region is key.
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Craigs Investment Partners
Youth Art Award - $2,500 Jon Murie, Authorised Financial Advisor at Craigs Investment Partners (Craigs) is clear that they are solidly invested in promoting strong communities and supporting the arts within them. The firm was born in Whakatāne in 1984, and Craigs has had a long time relationship with the Molly Morpeth Canaday Art Award, beginning their patronage over 6 years ago. Initially offering a runner up prize they have since adapted to the changes and growth associated with the MMCA and have put their yearly sponsorship directly to the much sought after Youth Award. “You’ll never get a more appreciative winner” Jon says - and that Craigs had a hand in launching a young emerging artist’s career, all the better - and agrees that to be endorsed by such a high level panel of judges can really make a difference to a fledgling vocation in the arts. Over the past 35+ years Craigs has grown quickly but what remains the same is their commitment to supporting the communities where they operate, from Kerikeri to Invercargill. The work that Craigs does for these communities isn’t shouted from the rooftops, but their consistent client focus and importance of continuing connections and relationship building with the arts as a conduit is an integral part of their kaupapa. Craigs offers a wide range of tailored services for all investors. If you have interest in investing you can contact Jon Murie directly at jon.murie@craigsip.com or 07 927 7880. You can also see further details of the services Craigs offers on their website www.craigsip.com |
Craigs Authorised Financial Adviser Jon Murie congratulates 2021 Painting and Drawing Youth Award winner Wesley John Fourie.
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The Incubator Award - Exhibition Package value $1,500
Simone Anderson is the founder and Director of Tauranga based creative hub The Incubator. A multi faceted arts and culture destination located at the Tauranga Historic Village, The Incubator supports emerging and established artists in the Bay of Plenty community and beyond. A new sponsor of the Molly Morpeth Canaday Award, Simone recognises the incredible value and reputation of the Molly Morpeth Canaday Award to New Zealand artists, and sees their sponsorship as an opportunity to contribute to the success and outcomes of the award. The Incubator Award is valued at $1,500 and offers the recipient a full exhibition package which includes a comprehensive mentoring aspect. Simone says the exhibition process, planning a cohesive body of work and time management are all essential parts of an artist's professional and self development, but it can be difficult to get a solo exhibition in a gallery setting. This award offers either a significant first milestone or another important notch in the ever developing biography of a practising artist. “The Incubator has a huge commitment to valuing the Arts. We know as much as any individual or organisation how hard it is especially for emerging and self employed creatives – so when we can support and highlight the arts we will always be there”. |
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