15 Apr Call for Entries: The 2025 Pattillo Whanganui Arts Review Returns
Submissions Day is Monday, 19 May 2025
After the redevelopment project, Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery reopened in November 2024 and now the gallery team is delighted to announce the return of the Pattillo Whanganui Arts Review – the nation’s longest-running open-call, regional art exhibition and competition.
Open to artists of any age, working in any medium, from regions connected to the Whanganui River, the Pattillo Whanganui Arts Review is the highly anticipated annual showcase of regional artistic talent.
Having been in hiatus for two and a half years during the redevelopment, the return of the Review is a joyous event for the region’s artists and the gallery.
In-person submissions will be accepted on Monday, 19 May 2025 between 10am and 5pm at Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery at Pukenamu Queen’s Park.
The 2025 Pattillo Whanganui Arts Review is an unparalleled opportunity for local artists—emerging and established alike—to have their work exhibited in a professionally curated show at Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery at Pukenamu Queen’s Park. This year’s Whanganui Arts Review is the first at this historic site since 2013.
Bigger Prizes, Bigger Opportunities
The premier Pattillo Open Award offers a $7,000 plus the opportunity for the winner to present the Pattillo Project, a solo artist showcase exhibition at the Sarjeant Gallery produced with the curatorial support of the gallery.
All awards have increased in value this year, making this the most rewarding Whanganui Arts Review ever. The galley is delighted to announce the following awards and thanks the sponsors:
Pattillo Open Award – $7 000 plus the Pattillo Project
Dalgleish Architects Excellence Award – $1500
PKF Doyle and Associates Excellence Award – $1500
Whanganui Garden Services Merit Award – $250
Friends of the Sarjeant Merit Award – $250
Renata’s Art & Framing Merit Award – $250
Edith Collier Trust Merit Award – $250
Barnicoat & Healy Merit Award – $250
Article Cafe Merit Award – $250
Whanganui River Markets Trust People’s Choice Award – $250
Elva Abbot Memorial Youth Recognition Award – $250
All winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on Saturday, 31 May 2025.
2025 Judge: Abby Cunnane
This year’s judge is Abby Cunnane, a curator and writer with a background in art history. Prior to joining Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery in early 2025 as Manutaki Director, she was director at The Physics Room in Ōtautahi Christchurch and worked as a curator at St Paul St Gallery (now Te Wai Ngutu Kākā Gallery) in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, and at City Gallery Wellington in Te Whanganui-a-Tara. She is the co-editor of arts and climate change journal The Distance Plan (with artist Amy Howden-Chapman), and holds a master’s degree in curatorial writing through Te Wānanga Aronui o Tāmaki Makaurau—Auckland University of Technology, a bachelor’s degree in art history and english literature from Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, and Te Pīnakitanga ki te Reo Kairangi through Te Wānanga o Aotearoa.
2025 Pattillo Whanganui Arts Review judge, Abby Cunnane
A Milestone Moment – 35 years
2025 is the 35th Whanganui Arts Review, and this year’s Review not only marks the return of the event to the gallery at Pukenamu Queen’s Park but also the conclusion of Pattillo’s five-year sponsorship partnership with the Sarjeant Gallery. Since 2019, Pattillo’s support has helped elevate the profile of the Arts Review, providing significant financial support and a platform for artists across the region.
Reflecting on this final year as principal sponsor, Anne Pattillo says:
“It has been a privilege to support the Whanganui Arts Review and to witness the extraordinary talent that emerges from this region. As we approach the final Awards night, as sponsor, we recognise how the Gallery and the Arts community has blossomed to truly fulfil their talent and potential. We can’t wait to see the work from the artists of 2025 artists.
Whanganui Arts Review Principal Sponsor, Anne Pattillo
Sarjeant Gallery Director Andrew Clifford also acknowledges the impact of Pattillo’s partnership:
“The Whanganui Arts Review has been an essential part of the region’s cultural landscape for decades, and Pattillo’s commitment has ensured its continued success. We look forward to celebrating this year’s event and welcoming a new principal sponsor in 2026.”
Sarjeant Gallery Director, Andrew Clifford
With its return to Pukenamu Queen’s Park and an exciting lineup of awards, the 2025 Pattillo Whanganui Arts Review promises to be a landmark event for the region’s artistic community.
For submission details, eligibility criteria, and award categories, visit sarjeant.org.nz
ENDS
For information contact Jaki.arthur@sarjeant.org.nz or use 027 577 4923