ANNUAL Art Challenge

Prepare to be amazed. Immerse yourself in a world where history and creativity collide at the annual Art Challenge Exhibition.

The dress displayed here is entitled ‘Fit for a Queen’, created by Monica Toretto. Inspired by the 1675 high renaissance bible from our collection, that was dedicated to Queen Christina of Sweden, particularly the first page showing her portrait.

Every winter, Te Hikoi Museum invites artists from all walks of life, using any medium, to take part in this one-of-a-kind event. An inspiring mix of experienced artists and those just starting out, the Art Challenge encourages artists to explore history through art, offering a unique opportunity to be inspired by over 8,000 objects from the museum's vast collection, which artists view online (https://ehive.com/collections/3278/te-hikoi-museum).
From September to October, the museum comes alive with a stunning array of artwork which draws inspiration from the artists selected historic objects—each piece telling a story, each artist forging a personal connection with the past. The objects themselves, drawn from the museum's remarkable collection, are displayed alongside the artworks, allowing visitors to see and feel the emotional resonance between history and artistic expression.
Next Event Dates: 1 September – 31 October 2025 
(Expressions of interest for artists opens 1 May 2025 - form will be available on this page)

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The 2024 challenge was again funded by Creative Communities administered by Southland District Council, with the support of Ōraka Aparima Runaka. 
Sina Sibler won the 2024 people's choice award (and a $500 art supplies voucher from Art Supplies Southland), for her work ​'I Saw'. Thank you to every artist who entered the challenge.
Please enjoy this video showcasing the 2024 entries alongside each artefact that inspired them.
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We invite you to appreciate some of the 2023 entries by viewing this slideshow presentation we gave to the 2023 Art Challenge funders, Creative Communities. We are very grateful for Creative Communities and Ōraka Aparima Runaka support in making this event a success.
Tui Johnson won the 2023 people's choice award (and a $500 art supplies voucher), for her work ​Tītī at Dusk. Thank you also to the following artists who contributed works - we were blown away by your entries and how they brought a new perspective to our collection:
Mary Napper ('Knit one pearl one' SOLD), Wayne of the Hill, Monica Toretto, July Cortes Cardenas, Lilly Capper (curators highly commended creative writing, SOLD), Rebecca Straker Cunningham, Lynne Grove, Ruby Anderson, Belinda Mason, Christine Rogers, Ben Ward, Anne Pilcher Gough (Compass Dolphin SOLD), Jewel Robinson (pottery vase available for sale at Pretty Good studio), Milan Vladisavljevic, Joanne McLeary, Joane Stowers, Toni Halliday, Fleur Soper.