The Arts
Are Powered
By People

Guests at Arts Gala 2026 raising funds for the arts.

Back The Arts

Arts Gala 2026

Artists, art lovers and supporters came together at Auckland Town Hall on Saturday 20 June for the annual Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi Arts Gala. A night to celebrate our artists, advocate for the arts, and raise vital funds for the creatives who shape the future of Aotearoa.

Check out the highlights

Springboard Class of '26

Our 2026 Springboarders are 16 bold, boundary-pushing artists at a pivotal moment in their careers – each backed with $15,000 and a powerhouse mentor to help take their practice to the next level. Discover the names, the work, and the stories you’ll be hearing a lot more of.

Bid Now. Back the Arts.

Meet Our 2025 Laureates

We’ve just welcomed eight outstanding Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi Laureates into our remarkable alumni of awarded artists. These world-class creatives have made a lasting impact on their disciplines, their communities, Aotearoa and beyond.

Meet them here

The 2002 Laureates: Shona McCullagh MNZM, Helen Medlyn MNZM, Don McGlashan, Warwick Freeman, and Jacob Rajan MNZM

Our Artists

Since 2000, The Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi have been unapologetically backing New Zealand’s most outstanding artists – with financial gifts, mentorship and epic recognition. We do this by awarding them New Zealand’s most prestigious arts awards: Icon Whakamana Hiranga, Laureate and Springboard – ultimately growing a remarkable alumni of artists from across disciplines and generations.

Meet our artists

Givers Bentley de Beyer, Dean Sharpe, and AFTTT Lead Jo Blair at Kotahi drinks Queenstown 2024

Our Giving Collective

The Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi is New Zealand’s only national arts organisation that is 100% powered by people. We are a generous and diverse community of givers from across the country who want to contribute to a more creative Aotearoa. We’re growing a movement of arts backers (crushing all stereotypes of what philanthropy looks like) for the betterment of all New Zealanders (and we have a lot of fun while we’re at it…).

How to power the arts

2020 Icon Sir Sam Neill KNZM, previous Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi Chair Garth Gallaway, and 2012 Laureate Rachel House ONZM

Come With Us

Are you into music, books, theatre, film, visual arts, photography and more? Do you like refreshing conversations, learning new things, and delving into the big issues facing Aotearoa through the eyes of our creatives? Are you into connection, getting out of your comfort zone and being part of something genuinely transformative? Go on then.

Join the movement

The Impact
We Have

Since 2000, we’ve been on a mission to back the arts in Aotearoa New Zealand – because we know a thriving nation is one that values creativity. So what does that look like?

Hear It From Our Artists

2006 Laureate Oscar Kightley MNZM speaking at the 2023 Laureate Awards.

2019 Laureate Pietra Brettkelly and 2023 Laureate Annie Goldson ONZM at the 2024 Auckland Kotahi Drinks.

Our Awards

Across the country, our artists shape and enrich our national identity. And in these times of uncertainty and competitive Government funding, they need our collective support! Find out how our community backs New Zealand’s most outstanding artists through our Awards.

View All Awards

The first ever Laureates in 2000 with AF Trustees and Prime Minister Helen Clark.

Since 1998

The Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi has awarded over $13 million to New Zealand artists and organisations with awards steeped in mana, mauri and honour.

About Us

Our Awards

Lady Susan Satyanand, 2011 Icon Whakamana Hiranga Sir Peter Jackson ONZ KNZM, and his excellency the Rt Hon Sir Anand Satyanand Governor General of New Zealand at the 2011 Icon Awards

2020 Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi Springboard Award Recipient Arjuna Oakes

2010 Harriet Friedlander Resident Seung Yul Oh

1995 Katherine Mansfield Menton Fellow Fiona Farrell ONZM left on her fellowship to Menton visiting New Zealand writer Michelanne Forster right — 1995 Katherine Mansfield Menton Fellow Fiona Farrell ONZM (left) on her fellowship to Menton visiting New Zealand writer Michelanne Forster (right)

2021 A Moment in Time recipient Nigel Borell

Ann Mallinson and 2023 Mallinson Rendel Illustrators Award Recipient Giselle Clarkson

View All Awards

Boosted

New Zealands Art Crowdfunding Platform

Powered by the Parkin Gift

Boosted is all-or-nothing crowdfunding, so these creatives need to reach their target to get their mahi off the ground. Check out the projects closing soon, and give what you can to help make great things happen.

2407

Successful Projects
93

Success Rate (2026)
16989816

Total Raised
146057

Donations

Crowdfund Your Own Project

All In
For Arts

A free speaker series in towns and cities across Aotearoa, celebrating creativity in New Zealander's lives. Each featuring five speakers offering diverse perspectives, in five short rounds - all over coffee. In partnership with Creative New Zealand, supported by Chartwell Trust, and powered by our media partner, Stuff.

Want to know more?

2021 Laureate Brett Graham speaking at All In For Arts Kirikiriroa Hamilton, 2026

Ladi6 and guest — 2023 Laureate Ladi6 with guests at All in for Arts Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland 2026

There's something about art that brings me closer to my sense of identity and belonging.”

Dinnie Moehau, New Plymouth District Councillor and speaker at All In For Arts New Plymouth 2022.

Explore Boosted Projects

See All Projects

Events Happening Now

We come to you. See what we are up to around the country - and come along for the ride! Everyone is welcome: whether you're an arts lover, arts curious or never set foot in a gallery before.

View All Upcoming Events