Zonta Ashburton Women’s Art Awards to Celebrate Tenth Anniversary in 2026
The highly anticipated Zonta Ashburton Women’s Art Awards (ZAWAA) will return in March 2026, marking its tenth year of championing women artists and fostering a vibrant dialogue within the art world. The exhibition, a cornerstone of the region’s cultural calendar, opens to the public on March 7th and runs through April 19th.
The ZAWAA initiative is dedicated to elevating the profile of visual artists who identify as women and recognizing their significant contributions to artistic discourse. According to organizers, the award is deeply aligned with the core values of Zonta International, a global organization committed to advancing the status of women through dedicated service and advocacy.
The winners of the prestigious awards will be revealed at a special opening ceremony on Friday, March 6th, at 7 p.m. at the Ashburton Art Gallery and Museum. This year’s event will be particularly noteworthy, coinciding with the debut of a solo exhibition featuring the work of Julia Holderness, the recipient of the Premier Award at ZAWAA25.
“The awards are a vital platform for showcasing the incredible talent of women artists,” a senior official stated. “We are proud to support their creative endeavors and provide a space for their voices to be heard.”
Beyond the main award categories, the exhibition will once again feature a People’s Choice Award. Visitors will have the opportunity to cast their votes for their favorite artwork throughout the duration of the exhibition, with the winner announced at the conclusion of the show. This interactive element encourages community engagement and provides valuable recognition for participating artists.
The ZAWAA has become a significant cultural event, attracting artists and art enthusiasts from across the region. Its continued success underscores the growing recognition of the importance of supporting and celebrating women in the arts.
