‘Contemporary Printmaking of Aotearoa’

A kōrero of thoughts and ideas

Venue: Ashburton Art Gallery

Dates: 15 December 2025 – 22 February 2026

Opening: Saturday 13 December at 6pm

Selector: Jacqueline Aust

Organisers: Julie Moonlight and Jude Gordon

BRIEF:

Printmaking is often perceived as work of two dimensions framed on a wall. The challenge of this exhibition is to encourage printmakers to explore subjects meaningful to them (including political, environmental or economic issues).

The work may address a cross-over of disciplines (for example sculpture or installation) and include materials such as textiles, ceramics or, of course, paper.

The work/s may be suspended from the ceiling, hung from the wall, be free standing or be placed on a plinth. The manner of installation must be clear in the images provided with the entry form.

The work must primarily address traditional print making techniques through imagery, materials and processes, but may also make use of non-print technologies e.g. ceramics (as above).

CONDITIONS OF ENTRY:

  • Entrants may submit two works. Entry fee $35.

  • Works will be selected from the submitted digital photos.

  • All entered works cannot have been previously exhibited or displayed

  • Entrants must submit 1-3 images of their entry via the online entry form.

  • Images must be high quality JPG file format of 1-3MB. One image must depict the full work as it would be installed/hung, the others may be details.

  • Inkjet and giclée prints will not be accepted though they may form a part of the work.

  • The work will be installed in a public gallery and should not be excessively large or heavy (maximum 20kg).

  • Wall-hung works should be framed unless it is not appropriate for the artwork.

  • Entries may consist of a group of pieces that form a single work.

  • Collaborative works are permitted.

  • The artist statement has a strict 150-word limit and describes the intention, inspiration or ideas that inform your artwork.

The selector’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into. Works that do not meet the entry conditions or the selector’s standard once received will not be exhibited. 

DEADLINES and further details:

Create artwork and submit colophon and entry fee by Friday 29 August. Entrants will be informed of the Selector's decision by Friday 26 September.

Selected artists will be responsible for getting their works to (address in Christchurch to be provided) on or before Friday 7 November 2025.  Works can be hand-delivered or sent by courier post. Please ensure that prepaid postage is provided if works are to be returned by courier post.

Please note: Insurance for artwork is the artist's responsibility.
While PCANZ takes all care with exhibition works, the responsibility lies with the artist, especially for very fragile works. We would strongly recommend that artists consider very carefully the level of fragility and whether the work is sufficiently robust to be in a public exhibition. If there are concerns about the robustness of the work, we would recommend the artist does the packaging, delivery, installation, de-installation, re-packaging and collect their work themselves. 

Make sure you have the following information ready before you fill out the colophon:

- Brief statement about the artist 150-word limit (describes the intention, inspiration or ideas that inform your work/s)

- Title of work/s

- Brief statement about the work/s (50 words max)

- Brief information about the media/techniques, plus size of artwork (framed if applicable) and format used (2D or 3D).

- Price to artist. The Gallery will add commission plus GST.

- Your bank account details for payment if your work sells.

- A photo of the artwork/s for selection and catalogue purposes. Two photos for 3D works. Note: photos should not be too small as a higher resolution is required for catalogue and selection, suggest 1-3mb file size, 300DPI resolution.

- Please name your photos First Name-Surname-Artwork Title.

Checklist:

- Prepare your information and fill out the Colophon, adding one to 3 photo/s to go to the selector.

- Pay your entry fee, including your Name and use the reference: Ashburton

- If selected, package your work securely and include return postage paid and addressed

  1. Ensure your artwork is labelled on the reverse with the Name of the artist and the Title of the artwork

  2. Label your packaging with your name and artwork title

  3. Provide clear installation instructions if applicable

- If selected, deliver or send your selected work to (address to be provided) by the close-off date of 7 November 2025

Any queries, email: exhibitions@printcouncil.nz

Downloadable Exhibition Brief:

Exhibition Colophon: