Paraparaumu artist Manaia Matakatea (Muaūpoko, Ngāti Raukawa – Ngāti Huia) has won the 2023 IHC Art Awards L’affare People’s Choice Award and $2,000 for his work, Grocery List.
Grocery List was selected as the favourite from the 30 finalists in this year’s IHC Art Awards, receiving 5,347 votes from the public.
Manaia’s work was inspired by his love of making lists to organise his world and help him feel safe. Putting together shopping lists is one of the things he does in his Supported Living home.
He finished school at 17 and recently started voluntary work at the Salvation Army on Monday afternoons.
Manaia (20) did his artwork at the Shed Project in Paraparaumu which overall Art Awards winner, Max Hinds-Brown, also goes to.
The Shed Project Kāpiti provides training and employment opportunities for local disabled and disadvantaged people. It’s also an Arts Access Aotearoa creative space and provides a wide range of creative programmes.
Denis Wood, founder and owner of the Shed Project, says Manaia has been coming along to the Shed for a couple of years and is a wonderful young man.
“He’s a fantastic guy and it’s quite a privilege to work with him.”
Manaia was presented with the L’affare People’s Choice Award on Thursday 17 August at Cafe L’affare in Wellington.
About the IHC Art Awards
The IHC Art Awards is an annual showcase of the talent and achievements of people with intellectual disabilities. Entries are open to New Zealanders aged 13 or over with an intellectual disability or an intellectual disability and autism.
This year all artist entries had the opportunity to sell their artwork in the pop-up gallery in wellington and if it didn’t sell, it will be listed on Trade Me. The artists receive 100 percent of the sale proceeds.
Further information on the IHC Art Awards is available on the IHC website. https://communications.cmail19.com/t/i-l-aydykkl-tjiltkjdiu-y/
About IHC New Zealand
IHC New Zealand advocates for the rights, inclusion and welfare of all people with intellectual disabilities and supports them to live satisfying lives in the community. IHC provides advocacy, volunteering, events, membership associations and fundraising. It is part of the IHC Group, which also includes IDEA Services, Choices NZ and Accessible Properties.
