The Norsewear Art Award Trust has announced that the Norsewear Art Award will be 'rested' for 2008. Norsewear has held the naming rights position for the last 21 years but announced in March that it was withdrawing the major component of its sponsorship. In October the outdoor clothing company announced the selling of its brand.

Image: Winner of the 2007 Norsewear Art Award, Phantom Limb by Seraphine Pick.The Norsewear Art Award Trust has announced that the Norsewear Art Award will be 'rested' for 2008. Norsewear has held the naming rights position for the last 21 years but announced in March that it was withdrawing the major component of its sponsorship. In October the outdoor clothing company announced the selling of its brand.

Image: Winner of the 2007 Norsewear Art Award, Phantom Limb by Seraphine Pick.Event Coordinator Brenda Haldane said that this is an exciting move and the year off will give the Art Award Trustees the time needed to restructure the award and consolidate a new sponsorship programme.

The Chairman of the Norsewear Art Award Trust, Johanna Mouat, said they were extremely grateful for the 21 years of unfailingly loyal support given the award by the outdoor clothing company.

In the meantime the award will be known as The New Zealand Contemporary Art Award.

It is hoped that in March/April 2008 an announcement will be made regarding the new brand and new structure of The New Zealand Contemporary Art Award.

7/11/07