Matt Dowman Shines: Whitecliffe Lecturer Wins 2024 Estuary Art and Ecology Award!

We’re excited to share some amazing news from our Whitecliffe community! Our talented Fine Arts Lecturer, Matt Dowman, has just won the top prize at the 2024 Estuary Art and Ecology Award. His artwork, Tuna, not only showcases his incredible talent but also brings attention to the urgent need to protect our environment.

What’s the Estuary Art and Ecology Award?

The Estuary Art and Ecology Award is a special art competition held in Howick at Uxbridge Arts and Culture. It’s the only one of its kind in New Zealand, where the focus is on ecology—how we interact with and protect our environment. Artists from across the country create works inspired by the Tāmaki Estuary, a beautiful but endangered waterway. The goal? To highlight its ecological value and inspire action against pollution.

Matt’s Award-Winning Artwork: Tuna

Matt’s winning piece, Tuna, is a heartfelt response to what he’s seen happening in the Tāmaki Estuary. He helps take care of about 50 freshwater eels (known as tuna) that live there, but sadly, pollution has killed 15 of them in the last 18 months. His painting captures the deep emotions tied to this loss, urging us all to think about how our actions impact the environment.

Matt hopes his art will encourage more people to get involved in projects that help restore and protect the estuary. It’s a powerful reminder that art can do more than just hang on a wall—it can inspire real change.

Why Art Matters in Protecting Our Planet

Art has a unique way of making us stop, think, and feel. When it comes to environmental issues, art can open our eyes to problems we might not notice and inspire us to take action. Matt’s Tuna is a perfect example of how art can be a voice for the environment, calling on us to care for the world around us.

Whitecliffe’s Commitment to a Sustainable Future

At Whitecliffe, we believe that art and sustainability go hand in hand. Our students and faculty are encouraged to create art that not only looks good but also does good for our planet. Matt’s success is a proud moment for us, showing what’s possible when art and environmental awareness come together.

We couldn’t be prouder of Matt Dowman for his achievement and his dedication to using art to make a difference. His work reminds us all of the importance of protecting our environment and the role each of us can play. Let’s celebrate Matt’s success and be inspired to take care of the world around us!

For more details about the Estuary Art and Ecology Award, visit UXBRIDGE Arts & Culture. To read more about Matt’s journey and the significance of his work, check out the Times article covering his achievement.