People’s Choice Art Prize winner, “Dreams of Tomorrow”, Mixed Media – Pencil, Charcoal, Colouring Pencil, Micron Pen & Super Marker on Paper, by Dian Neah (pictured right walking up to get his prize)
and mentors. Artists, curators and educators from both PNG and abroad came together to make the Akis Art Prize a success. The judging panel included respected figures such as Dr Michael Mel, former Pacific curator of the Australian National Museum, and Ruth McDougall, Pacific curator at the Queensland Art Gallery. Their passion for PNG’s art and culture brought not just expertise but also global recognition to the young artists’ works. In fact, at the time of press, there had been a number of flow- on results, including two commissioned collaborations with a fashion boutique and a sporting apparel company, two commissioned artworks by private individuals, and international exposure with German art museum Iwalewa- Haus, which houses modern art from Africa, Asia and the Pacific at the University of Bayreuth, exhibiting the PNG finalists in its entryway. For arts society
founder and president Lani Auvita Scott, one of the most heartwarming aspects of the competition has been the involvement of families and communities. “For some, it really was a family affair,” she said, “where the ‘bubuman’ (grandfather) was helping his grandkids develop and submit their artworks alongside his own, to teachers in remote villages organising ways for their students to participate.” A critical part of the
Pius Wasi, with food by acclaimed PNG chef Julz Henao. In her speech, arts society patron Winnie Kiap shared experiences from her time as PNG High Commissioner to the
UK and spoke of the global community’s fascination with PNG’s artistic heritage and the arts’ role in shaping PNG’s identity. Behind the scenes, the event was the result of a network of supporters
Ngaire Leka receives the Junior Art Prize from judge Dr Michael Mel, director of the Melanesian Institute of Arts and Communication
Arts Society PNG founder Lani Auvita Scott
VOLUME 41 2025
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