“The Portage Ceramic Awards provides artists with an opportunity to show their work and submit it to scrutiny to a professionally respected selector from outside New Zealand,” says last year’s winning artist Raewyn Atkinson.  “The Award gave me financial support and encouragement to continue developing ideas which were explored in the winning piece”.

Raewyn’s piece, called Cape Evans II, was an evocative design, lit from within, incorporating photolithographs of early Antarctic explorers.

The Portage Ceramics Award is the largest, most prestigious ceramics award in the country.  Portage Trust Elected Members through TTCF is the largest sponsor.  The Trust and Lopdell House picked up the Awards from the annual Fletcher Challenge Awards, when the sponsor withdrew. 

Now, every year, Titirangi’s Lopdell House comes alive for their version of the vibrant exhibition.  Days of festivities in the area surround the events, as cafes, accommodation and businesses in the Titirangi area capitalise on thousands of newcomers flocking to see fresh, innovate expressions of ceramic art. 

“It’s incredibly well attended,”  says Lopdell House Director Terry Manson.  “People come from all round the country.  And there’s a strong community around Titirangi that visits.  It’s great for Titirangi.”

West Auckland was the home of ceramics in New Zealand.  That heritage is now proudly supported and renewed in the awards, which this year will attract fifty top displays and entrants from amongst the best artists New Zealand can offer. Titirangi is also acknowledged as a centre for artistic endeavour, so support of a cultural special event on this scale is very important for the region.

Portage Trust’s commitment to these awards continues to grow.  In 2005, The Trusts Charitable Foundation donated more than $70,000 to the Awards, up on last year’s commitment.

A beautiful book will also be produced, funded by the Trust;  celebratory events such as a dinner, and talks by artists also feature.