Artist wanted for regional park residency

14 January 2008

The Auckland Regional Council (ARC) is trialling a new programme to give artists a chance to live and work in a regional park. Applications for this inaugural artist in residence close on Monday 4 February.

Artists in Residence organiser Michelle Edge says the new initiative will allow artists to immerse themselves in some of the few ‘wild’ corners left in the region, and develop a body of work influenced by them.

The inaugural residency is open to visual artists including photographers; those involved with literature and music, such as writers, poets and composers, and film-makers and multimedia artists. It would suit the self sufficient, resourceful and adventurous.

The selected artist will generate artwork which will be shared with park visitors. This raises the artists profile and gives the public an opportunity to experience the park through an artist’s eyes.

Artists can choose to stay at one of ten locations, including Wenderholm, Mahurangi and the Waitakere Ranges regional parks. There is also the choice of residency at Atiu Creek Regional Park, one of the region’s newest parks on the Kaipara Harbour near Wellsford.

Accommodation options range from historic homesteads to beachside baches and farm cottages. Free accommodation and a grant for living and working costs is provided to the artist for a period of up to one month.

Parks and Heritage Committee chair Sandra Coney says this programme is an exciting new initiative for the ARC and a great opportunity for artists to respond to some regionally significant sites and landscapes.

“The ARC is looking forward to seeing our regional parks’ stories told through art.

“This is a unique opportunity to experience a regional park - not as day-tripper but as it unfolds over a period of time and as the artist gets to know it intimately,” she says.

Michelle Edge says the point of difference with this residency is that artists have a choice of landscapes and settings to choose from.

“Most landscapes are within a stones throw of the sea, or set in a park, forest or farm surroundings.
“Although the sites seem a world away, most are within an hour’s drive of Auckland.

“Many New Zealand artists are profoundly influenced by the natural environment and this initiative is an opportunity to feed that.

“There will be plenty of sources of inspiration out there,” she says.

The closing date for applications is 4 February 2008. An arts advisory group will select the artist with the help of a public art expert. The successful artist will be notified by the end of February and the residency must be completed by 30 June 2008.

Artists can send a CV, examples of work, references and a concept proposal to:

Artist in Residence
Regional Parks
Auckland Regional Council
Private Bag 92012
Auckland.

ENDS

© Scoop Media