Thirty-three finalists have been announced for the Bold Horizon National Contemporary Art Award 2010.

The award, formerly known as the Trust Waikato National Contemporary Art Award, has become renowned for the challenging and often thought provoking entries it attracts and offers $15,000 in prize money.

Judging the award this year is Rachel Kent, senior curator at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Sydney. She has worked with leading Australian and international contemporary artists including Susan Norrie, Mike Parr, James Angus, Lee Bul, Ed Ruscha, Kutlug Ataman, Shahzia Sikander and Tim Hawkinson, and has presented exhibitions in Australia, New Zealand, Japan and the United States.

Waikato Museum director Kate Vusoniwailala said that as one of New Zealand's leading contemporary art award shows, this exhibition never disappoints.

"Our practise of inviting a respected curator to judge the awards each year provides for great variety of curatorial approach and interest. This year our judge is a leading voice in contemporary arts in Australasia and her selection illustrates the diversity of styles, approaches, media and focus for contemporary New Zealand artists."

While all finalists are New Zealand citizens or residents, this year they come from as far afield as Washington DC and London.

Visit www.waikatomusuem.co.nz for more information.