Edith Amituanai is the inaugral recipient of a new award for photographers. Celebrated NZ photographer Marti Friedlander announced last night that she and her husband are to leave a substantial sum to the Arts Foundation of New Zealand to establish the Marti Friedlander Photographic Award, which will be presented every two years to an established photographer with a record of excellence and the potential to carry on producing work at high levels.

Image: Edith Amituanai, Monsieur Murphy Pavihi Taele, 2006.The Award includes a donation of $25,000 for the photographer to use as they please with the goal of furthering their careers.

Extended family and immediate community are primary subjects for Edith Amituanai; she collaborates closely with Christchurch and Auckland relations as well as the individuals she grew up with in West Auckland.

On announcing the recipient, Marti Friedlander said, "I have chosen Edith as the inaugural recipient of the Award as I believe she has an exceptional talent. I particularly like the way her photographic essays portray people and places that reveal New Zealanders and all their diversity. She is a most worthy recipient of an Award that is intended to support the development of the medium of photograph."

Upon hearing the news of her selection Edith Amituanai explained she felt "immensely encouraged and humbled". "I'm thrilled to be the inaugural recipient of this Award," she said, "and Marti's generosity is encouraging for New Zealand photographers."

During Marti's lifetime, she will select the recipient of the Award and this role will eventually be taken up by the Arts Foundation.

29/11/07