The first Lysaght Watt Trust Art Award took place in 2013 at the Lysaght Watt Gallery in Hawera, South Taranaki. Unfortunately, in 2020, due to the challenges posed by Covid-19, the Award couldn't be held.​  The main prize of $3000, generously sponsored by the Lysaght Watt Trust, continues to attract submissions from artists all across New Zealand. Each year, a distinguished figure in the New Zealand art community is invited to judge the entries and select the overall winner. They also have the honour of choosing winners in various prize categories, including 3D, 2D, and Local Artists.​  The winners are announced and the exhibition is officially opened during a gala evening at the Gallery. The People's Choice Award is presented to the artwork that garners the most votes from the public by the end of the exhibition.

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Each year, a fresh theme is chosen. Past themes have included "Daily Life," "Yin Yang," and "Rising." In 2021, acknowledging the challenges of an unpredictable Covid environment, the Award Committee introduced an Open Theme, which resulted in a remarkable record of over 70 outstanding art submissions.​  Our next biennale Lysaght Watt Trust Art Award will be held in 2026. If you have any questions or need further information, please don't hesitate to contact us at artawards.lwg@gmail.com.