Art Is A Lifesaver: Unique Artwork To Raise Funds For Maranui Surf Lifesaving Club

A powerful new collaboration between artists Ellie
Compton and Clint C will see art and community come together
in support of Maranui Surf Lifesaving Club.

Created
especially for the NZ Art Show, Art is a Lifesaver is
a one-off collaborative artwork, with 100% of proceeds being
donated to Maranui Surf Lifesaving Club.

The
initiative celebrates not only creativity and collaboration,
but also the people and organisations who work tirelessly to
keep Wellington’s coastline safe.

Known
for their distinctive artistic styles, Ellie Compton and
Clint C have combined their practices to create a work that
speaks to connection, generosity, and the spirit of the
coast. The piece will be auctioned as part of the Show,
giving collectors and supporters the opportunity to own a
unique artwork while directly contributing to a meaningful
cause.

Clint C also recognises the impact art can have
on wellbeing and connection, having previously created works
to raise funds for causes including I Am Hope and other
charitable initiatives.

For the NZ Art Show, the
project reflects a wider understanding that art is more than
something to simply hang on a wall; it can be a conduit for
conversation, healing, storytelling, and
connection.

Over more than two decades, the NZ Art
Show has built a platform that not only supports artists
commercially, but also demonstrates the wider social impact
creativity can have within communities. From raising
awareness and funds for important causes, to helping people
feel seen, inspired, or connected, the Show continues to
champion the idea that art has the power to make a genuine
difference.

“Maranui
Surf Lifesaving Club is such an important part of Wellington
life,” says NZ Art Show Executive Director Carla
Russell.

“From the beach culture to the volunteers
who give their time to keep people safe, there’s something
incredibly special about what they represent. This project
is about artists giving back to the community in a genuine
and heartfelt way.

“At the NZ Art Show, we deeply
understand the role art can play in people’s wellbeing and
sense of connection. Art creates conversations. It can
comfort, challenge, uplift, and bring communities together:
and this collaboration is a beautiful example of
that.”

The collaboration reflects the wider ethos of
the NZ Art Show; that art has the power not only to inspire,
but to create impact beyond gallery walls.

The work
will be unveiled ahead of the Show, with bidding taking
place online and during the event weekend. Open to bidders
from far and wide via https://app.galabid.com/nzartshow,
the work will also be exhibited at the NZ Art Show 2026,
giving visitors the opportunity to experience the piece in
person.

Combining the
distinctive styles of Ellie Compton and Clint C, Art is a
Lifesaver is a rare and exceptional collaborative work:
created with purpose, generosity, and heart.

The NZ
Art Show takes place across King’s Birthday Weekend at TSB
Arena and Shed 6 on Wellington Waterfront, bringing together
more than 200 artists and thousands of original artworks
from across Aotearoa.

About the NZ Art
Show

The is one of Aotearoa’s longest-running and
most significant contemporary art events, bringing together
more than 200 artists and thousands of original artworks
across Wellington’s waterfront each King’s Birthday
Weekend. Held across TSB Arena and Shed 6, the Show has
become a much-loved cultural fixture for both Wellingtonians
and visitors from across New Zealand.

Since launching
in 2004, the NZ Art Show has facilitated more than $23
million in art sales and helped support the careers of
countless New Zealand artists — from emerging
practitioners exhibiting for the first time through to
established names now represented in dealer galleries both
nationally and internationally. The Show is known for its
accessible and welcoming approach, encouraging people from
all backgrounds to engage with contemporary art in
meaningful ways.

Alongside painting, sculpture,
photography, jewellery, ceramics, and mixed media works, the
2026 Show features curated feature zones, emerging artist
platforms, contemporary Māori voices, photography
showcases, artist talks, immersive installations, and the
iconic Gala Evening — widely regarded as one of
Wellington’s signature cultural events.

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