Flagship 2026
Core projects shaping the 2026 photography season.
Flagship Project 1 — National Photography Competition
“Contemporary Art is Dead: Retro Revival & Traditional Return” explores how the revival of retro aesthetics and traditional techniques challenges narratives of contemporary art, encouraging new visual dialogues.
- Objective — Explore how the revival of retro aesthetics and traditional techniques challenges the narratives of contemporary art, encouraging new visual dialogues.
- Timeline — March–July 2026 (submission 10–12 weeks; judging 4–6 weeks; announcement and awards).
- Eligibility — Open to photographers residing in New Zealand (original works only; no overseas submissions).
- Judging Panel — 2 trust representatives, 1–3 NZIPP judges, 2–8 community artists, 2–5 UoA PhotoSoc representatives.
- Rights & Distribution — Authors retain copyright. The Trust receives a non-exclusive, royalty-free licence for non-commercial public-benefit use with attribution.
Flagship Project 2 — Auckland Exhibition (4–8 Weeks)
Transform the competition theme into a curated exhibition narrative, inviting public engagement and debate on the “death” and rebirth of contemporary aesthetics.
- Venue — Preferred: municipal or independent galleries within Auckland CBD.
- Duration — 4–8 weeks depending on funding outcome.
- Activities — Weekend guided tours; artist & curator talks; public workshops (film photography, storytelling, editing); bilingual catalogue.
Ongoing Projects — Monthly Workshops & Community Collaboration
Free learning experiences that keep photographic practice accessible across communities.
- Focus — Film development days, darkroom technique sessions, narrative and editing workshops, critique sessions, mentorship.
- Frequency — Monthly.
- Expected participants — 200+.