The annual IHC Art Awards, New Zealand’s premier event celebrating artistic talent from artists with intellectual disabilities or autism, showcased over 530 artworks from July 24 to August 6 at Webb’s Wellington.
The awards consist of First, Second, Third Place Award, a Youth Award, and the coveted Holdsworth Charitable Trust Scholarship Award. The latter is given to an art studio where creativity flourishes and new skills are learned, where art is taught and encouraged. ‘Artists in the Making’, is such a studio and it is in Whitianga. It is a programme run by Coromandel Independence Living Trust and offers three sessions a week in different locations in Whitianga. This locally based studio came first place in the national IHC art awards competition winning the Holdsworth Scholarship Award, worth $5,000, going to the winning Studio, not to the artist(s). This generous prize can be used at the studio’s discretion but generally towards materials, equipment, and a contribution towards additional tutor salaries.
Lizzie Leckie, one of the tutors and co-ordinators of ‘Artists in the Making’, expressed her pride to The Informer at this achievement. “This an exciting accomplishment for our little group” says Lizzie. “We could hardly believe it. We heard the news last Friday and to think out of all the entries, our little studio has won; we feel very proud.”
Four artworks from the studio were showcased, but only three entries were allowed. Paige MacPherson, Brian Jarvie and Caroline Tatton Brown were the three winning artists on behalf of Artists in the Making. A mosaic of SpongeBob SquarePants by the fourth local contender Kieran Clayton was exhibited but was not of an original subject. However, all four pieces sold on the first day of the exhibition.
“We have Anne Bowden to thank, C3 church also and my colleague Kathryn Tsu. We make our spaces a treasure house of art resources and great people – artists and tutors,” added Lizzy.
The IHC judging panel concluded: “Congratulations to those who work as part of Artists in the Making – Whitianga, to learn artistic skills and produce the most amazing art works.”
The winning artworks, along with numerous other exceptional entries, are on display until 6 August at Webb’s Wellington.
Interested parties can join the classes held three times a week ‘Artists in the Making’. This small studio’s victory serves as a testament to their commitment to nurturing artistic talent among individuals with intellectual disabilities. The programme is open to anyone under 65 who needs social support and has a Commuiy Services Card. Intellectual disability does not need to apply.
The Holdsworth Charitable Trust Scholarship Award:
Artists in The Making, Whitianga
‘Paradise Ducks 2026’
‘Whitianga Harbour 2026’
‘Happy Lion 2026’
◾️Editor’s Note: The Holdsworth Charitable Trust is a New Zealand grant-making trust established by the late tech leader and philanthropist John Holdsworth and his wife Merrill. It primarily supports community, health, education, and welfare initiatives, most notably funding programs and art awards for New Zealanders with intellectual disabilities through organizations like IHC New Zealand.
