AUCKLAND, New Zealand—Creative New Zealand, the country's leading arts council, has chosen London-based sculptor Francis Upritchard, originally from Christchurch, and painter Judy Millar, from Auckland, to represent New Zealand at the 2009 Venice Biennale, reports The Dominion Post.

Upritchard is known for her hand-made figures inspired by the works of medieval painters, while Millar makes large-scale, abstract paintings. In 2006, Upritchard won the Walters Prize, New Zealand's most prestigious and richest art award, given out by the Auckland Art Gallery.

Creative NZ has said it will spend $650,000 (U.S. $490,000) on the two-person exhibition. It aims to raise another $400,000 in sponsorship and private donations.