Cultural exchange opportunity for Māori dancers and writers in Canada
One of the world’s largest arts and creativity incubators, Canada’s Banff Centre, will reserve one spot for a Māori
artist in each of their indigenous dance and writing residency programmes this year.
This opportunity, funded by Creative New Zealand as part of their Cultural Exchange Programme, will see the selected
Māori artists share the special experience with other indigenous artists from various backgrounds and nations.
“We formed a special partnership with The Banff Centre last year to offer contemporary Māori dancers and writers this
opportunity. These residencies are a chance to develop their arts practice, to share their skills and cultural knowledge
with other indigenous artists and to form valuable partnerships,” says Creative New Zealand Senior Manager Cath Cardiff.
"We have developed a landmark partnership between Creative New Zealand and The Banff Centre for Māori artists at the
intersection of arts, culture and ideas. This experience will accelerate creativity and transform lives in meaningful
ways," says Sandra Laronde, Director of Indigenous Arts at The Banff Centre.
Applications for this year’s Indigenous Writing Programme close on 1 May 2015 and on 4 May 2015 for the Indigenous Dance
Residency. Artists should apply directly to The Banff Centre.
The Indigenous Dance Residency is a four-week intensive programme which involves daily classes as well as creating a new
choreographic work that will be performed as part of the Banff Summer Arts Festival at The Banff Centre.
The Indigenous Writing Programme comprises two weeks of writing time at The Banff Centre and 10 weeks working online
from home or work space with a mentor (editor). The resident writer will receive one-on-one editorial feedback with the
faculty, and present an excerpt of their work alongside award-winning faculty writers in a reading and spoken word
series at The Banff Centre.
Creative New Zealand contributes to the successful Māori dancer and writer’s flights, tuition fees, meals and
accommodation costs during the residencies.
Last year Māori contemporary dancer, performer and choreographer Kura Te Ua participated in the Indigenous Dance
Residency and acclaimed Māori actor, director and writer Nancy Brunning participated in the Indigenous Writing
Programme.
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