The conversation has sparked fresh thinking about where waste is generated, how it can be reduced, and what responsibility an arts organisation has in shaping a more sustainable future. Out of these discussions, a new initiative has emerged — one that blends creativity with environmental consciousness.
At this year’s annual meeting, the committee introduced a new exhibition category and accompanying award dedicated entirely to sustainability in art. The category, titled Think Twice, will debut at the 2026 Labour Weekend Exhibition at the Lake Wānaka Centre. It is designed to honour artists who thoughtfully engage with themes of environmentalism, waste reduction, and resourcefulness, through the materials they use and the stories their artworks tell.
The Think Twice category is open to both 2-D and 3-D works, but with a clear focus: each piece must demonstrate artistic integrity while incorporating recycled, repurposed, or discarded materials — or also exploring sustainability as a central theme. WAS is seeking art that is conscious and imaginative.
Many artists are already working this way, turning overlooked materials into powerful creative statements. Some make their own pigments or craft their own substrates. Others stitch together discarded fabrics, reshape found objects, or use their work to comment on the environmental challenges we face. The new category provides a platform to recognise and celebrate this creativity.
In this curated category, every entry must be accompanied by an explanation about what the artwork is made from, what the materials were in their previous life, and whether there’s a story to the subject matter about an environment issue. This narrative component is essential — it highlights not just the finished artwork, but the thoughtful, resourceful process behind it. We’re recognising waste doesn’t need to be an endpoint. It can be a beginning, an invitation to rethink value and imagine new futures for forgotten objects.
By introducing the Think Twice award, the Wānaka Arts Society is signalling its commitment to fostering creativity that aligns with a more responsible, resource-conscious world. Art has always been a mirror to society, and today that mirror reflects a world urgently calling for sustainable action, as our landfills fill up with thoughtlessly discarded items, contributing to climate change and creating problems for future generations. The society hopes this new category will inspire artists to push boundaries, explore new methods, and consider the environmental impact of their practice.
The initiative also forms part of a broader effort to reduce waste at the exhibition itself. From materials used in setup to the way artworks are displayed and documented, the committee is examining aspects of the event with sustainability in mind. This year’s exhibition is not only a celebration of creativity — it is a celebration of responsibility.
As the society continues to grow, new voices and ideas are welcome. The committee is seeking new members and invites anyone with an interest in the arts to come along to a meeting in July. Those keen to be involved can email president.wānaka.arts@gmail.com.
— Jo Underwood is Wānaka Arts’ secretary
