Toi Pōneke Artist-In-Residency Programme Up For Grabs

Wellington artist Shane McGrath is coming to the end of his DEBLYN residency at Toi Pōneke Arts Centre, and that means his studio will soon be up for grabs.

Shane was the first person to take up a free residency there last November through the artist-in-residence programme, with the help of sponsors DEBLYN Properties Ltd Wellington.

He says access to a studio immediately after completing his masters in fine arts has been invaluable.

“It meant that I had a studio and project to work on straight away which would culminate in an exhibition This meant I could maintain my momentum and concentrate on getting my work out where it could be seen.

“The other artists in Toi Pōneke are a great bunch – friendly, creative and inclusive. I’ve always had others to discuss ideas with, be it mine or theirs, and I’ve made many friends in the process,” says Shane.

The programme aims to give arts graduates a kick-start to their career. People who have graduated in the past couple of years from any arts institution throughout the Wellington region are invited to apply. The selected artist will be given a studio rent-free for ten months, $1000 to put towards materials and free exhibition space for a three-week show at Toi Pōneke Gallery. Toi Pōneke staff will be on hand to provide support throughout the residency.

The residency programme starts in February 2011. The closing date for applications is 13 September. If people are interesting in applying and want to talk to someone at Toi Pōneke, either call in to see them at 61 Abel Smith Street or phone 385 1929.

ENDS

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