"Andrew's excellent work as the initiating director at Te Uru Waitakere Contemporary Gallery is well respected and his appointment is fitting in the society's very special anniversary year," says Mr Carr. "We very much look forward to both the overall entries and the announcement of the award winners."
In previous years, the entry criteria have called for the artworks to feature a minimum 50 per cent No 8 wire. Reflecting the way the future of farming is changing, the awards will now allow artists to use a wider range of agricultural products, with the dominant visual and structural feature of the artwork to be No 8 wire or wire of a similar gauge.
Waikato Museum director Cherie Meecham says the removal of the 50 per cent No 8 wire condition expands what artists are now able to create.
"The variety and intricacy of what can be created through the manipulation of No 8 wire never ceases to amaze me," she says.
Entries close 1pm Friday, April 13. Finalists notified week of April 16. Winners announced/award ceremony Thursday, May 10 . Exhibition on Friday, May 11 to Monday, June 11at ArtsPost Galleries & Shop, 120 Victoria St, Hamilton. Open daily 10am to 5pm.