Laura Allen Wins Top Southland Art Award

Laura Allen has taken the top prize at this year's ILT Southland Art Awards, with her work *34 years of Age* claiming the Supreme Award at a ceremony held at Invercargill's transitional public art gallery on Friday October 2.

Now in its third year, the awards drew 67 finalist works across seven categories — the Supreme Award, second and third prizes, the Invercargill Public Art Gallery/Southland Art Society Membership Award, the Beattie McDowell Southland Award (in memory of architect Mick Hesselin), the Innovation Award, and the Young People's Award. A People's Choice award will be decided by public vote before the exhibition closes.

The breadth of the finalist field reflected a competition that reaches well beyond Invercargill. Artists working across a wide range of mediums were represented, with entries coming from the length of New Zealand.

Transitional public art gallery manager Sarah Brown said the standard of work on show made clear how much is being created nationally.

"This year's entries showcased a fantastic range of contemporary art practice, and highlighted once again the tremendous work being created the length and breadth of New Zealand. The exhibition is looking fantastic, and we're excited for visitors to He Waka Tuia to see it for themselves," Brown said.

She was equally direct about why the awards matter beyond the prize money.

"Creative expression is a lifeline, not just for artists themselves but for audiences as well. Art connects us to one another, challenges our perspectives, and adds richness to the places we call home. Opportunities like the ILT Murihiku Art Awards give that work a platform, and allow artists to keep creating, so we are incredibly grateful for the generosity of our sponsors — the ILT and Beattie McDowell Architects. Their support of these awards is an investment in the cultural life of our entire community," Brown said.

The exhibition remains open at the transitional public art gallery in central Invercargill, with voting for the People's Choice award open to the public.

ILT Murihiku Art Awards 2026 - Winners

Supreme Award: $8,000

Winner: 34 years of Age, porcelain – Laura Allen

2nd Prize: $4,000

Winner: Knotgaarden, Oil and acrylic paint, embroidery on linen – Paul McLachlan

3rd Prize: $2,000

Winner: Andrew 1/10, Acrylic on canvas – Elizabeth Manson

IPAG or SAS Membership Award: $2,000

Winner: Sēam, Acrylic and oil on canvas – Paul McLachlan

Beattie McDowell Southland Award: $2,000

Winner: The Green Heart, Oil and acrylic on vintage frame – Mel McKenzie

Innovation Award: $1,000