May 10, 2018
Artists celebrated for iconic impact
Maori modernist sculptor Fred Graham from Ngati Koroki Kahukura and composer Dame Gillian Karawe Whitehead from Ngai Tahu are among the latest group of artists to receive the New Zealand Arts Foundation's highest honour, the New Zealand Icon Award – Whakamana Hiranga.
Also included this year are artist Billy Apple, poet Bill Manhire, and author Maualaivao Albert Wendt.
Foundation chair Garth Gallaway says the awards are for artists who have a profound impact on the nation.
The recipients join a living circle of twenty artists celebrated as Icons and receive a medallion and pin designed by stone sculptor, John Edgar.
At last night's awards ceremony at Government House in Wellington, the medallions were presented by family members representing previous holders – architect Sir Ian Athfield, composer Jack Body, photographer Marti Friedlander, musician Peter Godfrey and artist Cliff Whiting.
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