2023 Pat Hanly Creativity Awards
Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki last week hosted the annual Pat Hanly Creativity Awards to recognise the outstanding work of 71 visual art students from 39 secondary schools and kura throughout the greater Tāmaki Makaurau region.
Supported by AUT, the Awards celebrate the students whose work shows outstanding creativity, imagination and commitment to the visual arts.
They also acknowledge the late artist Pat Hanly’s remarkable contribution to New Zealand contemporary art and his passion for art education and supporting young artists.
In his speech AUT Vice-Chancellor, Professor Damon Salesa, acknowledged and celebrated the inspirational work by the students whose proud families and teachers also attended the gala evening and also noted that, “The Pat Hanly Creativity Awards bring into focus the vital role of art education in shaping future creatives and helping art students connect with the wider art community.”
Commenting on her achievement, Saint Mary’s College award recipient, Athena Abrogena, said, “I honestly felt privileged and fortunate to have my art recognised at a larger scale outside of the people around me.
“To have all my years of hard work and passion be seen by other artists and creators was such a fun and rewarding experience.”
Auckland Art Gallery Director, Kirsten Lacy said, “The calibre of work submitted by the students was exceptional, demonstrating the bright talent among our next generation of artists.
“Through the Pat Hanly Creativity Awards, it is an honour to recognise students for their artistic efforts and inspire our youth to further their creative and artistic endeavours.”