The finalists in the inaugural Southland Creative Arts Awards 2024 have been announced by Arts Murihiku.

The awards are billed as representing not only an opportunity for local artists to gather and celebrate their place in Murihiku, but also to celebrate excellence in art.

Over 120 nominations were received across ten categories, each tailored to showcase the dedicated individuals and organisations championing the arts across our amazing region. 

Arts Murihiku chair Becs Amundsen said it was wonderful to see so many artists acknowledged, and she was please so many were to be part of the Arts Awards.

"We know the huge contribution people make to the arts sector across Murihiku Southland."

Amundsen said the selection panel had had an incredibly challenging task selecting the finalists and an even tougher one identifying the winners.

The 2024 finalists are:

Sono Sound Lifetime Achievement:

Awarded to a person or group who has consistently shared their time, energy, knowledge and skill for the betterment of the Arts in Murihiku.

• Trevor Daly

• Riversdale Arts Inc

• Jonathan Tucker

• Invercargill Musical Theatre

• Helen Nicoll

Good Tech Leadership in the Arts:

Awarded to an individual who has voluntarily steered groups or individuals to success and has inspired and empowered those around them through leadership, management or administration.

• Charmin Dahl

• Sally Bodkin-Allen

• Tania Carran

• Emma Jarman

• April Fisher

• Lyn Henry

Southland Art Society Leadership in Arts Education:

Awarded to an individual, group or institution who displays passionate, innovative and accessible education in the arts.

• Linda McGregor

• Sharon Wilson

• Michelle Dawson

• Steve Solomon

• Andrea Sexton

• Sarah Rae

Southern Outlook Emerging Talent:

Awarded to an individual under 25 who displays great talent and skill in their field and who is working towards a future in the arts.

• Maia Fletcher

• Deacon Kynan-Wilde

• Lydia Blomfield

• Meadow Bodkin-Allen

• Oshada Perera

• Levi Te Amo

• Sam McGregor

The Hits Production Excellence:

Awarded to an individual who displays excellent dedication and skills in helping bring an artistic endeavour to the public behind the scenes, for example; producers, production secretaries, arts administrators, stage managers, set and lighting designers and curators.

• Campbell Trewin

• Jim & Marcella Geddes

• Bernadette Gourley

• David Pottinger

• Nick Round-Turner

He tohu kia mau ki nga taonga tuku iho:

For a group or individual who is independently pursuing the reclamation, preservation and celebration of te ao Māori in their practice. Awarded to those who hold onto, and maintain and develop those treasures and knowledge handed down from our ancestors.

• Steve Solomon

• Mīharo Murihiku Trust

• Te Anau Waitangi Charitable Trust

• Sharne Parkinson

The Little Green Fairy Patronage:

Awarded to a business or sponsor who has consistently supported the arts through support, patronage, collaboration and encouragement.

• Nicola McGilvray, Tuatara Cafe

• Kennedy School of Music

• All Saints Male Choir

• South Alive

• Jenna Lee Shave, Shave Photography and Design

• Jordan Cossill, Threes & Sevens Records

ELM Marketing Creative Excellence:

Awarded to a person or group who has shown skill, creativity, innovation and mastery in their field.

• Malcolm McDonald

• DEOW Owen

• Gemma Baldock

• Charlie Rodgers

• The Dollys

• Southland Art Foundation

Ascot Park Hotel Community Catalyst Individual:

Awarded to a person that has made significant contributions to fostering a sense of community and connection within the Murihiku arts scene.

• Sally Bodkin-Allen

• Jordan Cossill

• Bella Williams

• Lesley du Mez

• Louise Evans

Community Trust South Community Catalyst Organisation:

Awarded to an organisation or group that has made significant contributions to fostering a sense of community and connection within the Murihiku arts scene.

• Southern District Arts Trust

• 45°Fibre – Amy Hughes, Michelle Wood and Sarah Le Roux

• South Sea Spray

• Invercargill Musical Theatre

• Southland Art Society

• Mīharo Murihiku Trust

ILT Supreme Award:

This will go to an individual or group who has exemplified the kaupapa of Arts Muirihiku and these awards in the period from January 2023 until closing date of the awards. A practitioner, group or producer who has pushed boundaries, inspired others, and made a lasting impression on the Murihiku artistic landscape.

• The winner embodies excellence, creativity, and significant impact and will be chosen by the judges from the pool of finalists.

Category winners, along with the ILT Supreme award, will be announced at the Gala Dinner & Awards ceremony at Ascot Park Hotel on the 17th August.

CLICK HERE to find out more and book your tickets.