Samoan theatre director Anapela Polata’ivao and actor and filmmaker Madeleine Sami are among eight leading artists recognised for their outstanding contributions to Aotearoa’s creative and cultural landscape.
The annual awards recognise New Zealand artists who have made significant contributions to the country’s creative and cultural landscape.
Each recipient will receive $50,000, with a total of $400,000 awarded through the generosity of arts supporters across Aotearoa. The funding comes with no conditions, allowing artists to continue developing their work.
Among this year’s recipients is Anapela Polata’ivao, recognised with the Sir Roger Hall Theatre Award for her contribution to Pacific theatre and storytelling.
The selection panel described Polata’ivao as a “true Pasifika pioneer” who has consistently broken new ground while remaining connected to her roots.
Madeleine Sami receives the Toi Kō Iriiri Queer Arts Award, recognising her nearly three-decade career in film and television and her role in expanding queer representation on screen.
The eight 2026 Laureates are:
- Anapela Polata’ivao – Theatre
- Catherine Chidgey – Literature
- Emily Karaka – Painting
- et al. – Visual Arts
- Madeleine Sami – Film and Television
- Sriwhana Spong – Multidisciplinary Arts
- Tyrone Ohia – Design
- Victoria Kelly – Music
Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi Director Jessica Palalagi says this year’s recipients have made lasting contributions to their respective fields.
“They work across very different disciplines, but share a depth of practice and a lasting impact on the people and communities around them.”
Established in 2000, the Laureate Awards have recognised artists whose work has helped shape Aotearoa’s cultural identity.
The 2026 recipients join a community of 145 Arts Foundation Laureates, with this year’s awards continuing to support artists as they pursue the next stage of their creative careers.
