Shortlist announced

2nd sculpture competition

Following a successful first competition for a new sculpture for the Permanent Collection, which resulted in three new commissions, we called again for expressions of interest. We received almost 30 proposals from NZ, Australia, America, Latvia and the Netherlands.

Three artists’ proposals have been shortlisted for fuller development this year. Congratulations to Emma Camden, Phil Price and Virginia King. The winner will be announced in March 2025.

Selection process and timeline

April 2023–January 2024: Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from sculptors.
These should contain:

  • a brief (maximum two pages) idea/drawing/concept/model of a new proposed sculpture

  • an estimate of price, including transportation to site and installation costs

  • a potential location within Tai Tapu Sculpture Garden (site visits encouraged)

  • Appendices may be added, if deemed essential by the artist.

All entries or queries regarding competition proposals should be emailed to Curator:

Melissa Reimer 
e. taitapusculpturegarden@gmail.com 


March 2024: Announcement of shortlist.

  • Three EOIs selected for fuller development

  • Each of the three shortlisted sculptors will receive a grant of up to $5,000 to prepare the full proposal

  • This comprehensive proposal will include full drawings of the sculpture and foundation requirements; and a maquette or model.

January 2025: Submission of full proposals, inclusive of maquette, proposed location and price. The price should include costings for foundation requirements, and informed estimates for transportation and installation. The full proposal should also contain a realistic maintenance plan.

March 2025: Announcement of winning proposal for commissioned sculpture.

March 2027: Sculpture unveiled at the 14th Annual Autumn Exhibition.

Selection criteria

The selection committee will judge proposals on five criteria:

  1. Quality of sculpture; including originality, creativity, thoughtfulness, robustness and anticipated artisanship and execution.

  2. Compatibility with the vision of TSG: to support contemporary New Zealand sculpture and enhance native biodiversity in Canterbury.

  3. Fit with TSG: how the sculpture uses and/or enhances the TSG landscape (site specific features). Artists may include in their full proposal a potential location within TSG and this should be stipulated in the final fuller proposal. Site visits are encouraged and artists would walk around the sculpture garden with Peter Joyce &/or Annabel Menzies-Joyce who will provide guidance on access or land considerations.
    When appropriate TSG may pay for associated landscaping &/or planting costs.

  4. Ability of the artist to deliver the sculpture on time, at the agreed price.

  5. Cost and value for money. The anticipated cost is around $100,000, inclusive of GST, artist fee and installation costs, and a five-year maintenance plan, but does not include the development fee.

If the committee cannot decide on a single winning sculpture, it reserves the right to make a shared award.

Selection committee

Comprises Felicity Milburn, Darryn George, Bing Dawe, Melissa Reimer, Annabel Menzies-Joyce and Peter Joyce.