A selection panel is seeking artists with a sense of adventure and an imaginative outlook.
Applications from artists who can creatively capture unique aspects of park life are sought for Auckland Council’s Artist in Residence programme.
The successful artist will live and work in one of Tāmaki Makaurau’s regional parks for eight weeks. This year’s recipient has a choice to live at either Āwhitu Regional Park or Duder Regional Park. Both are located beside the sea, but also offer a range of landscapes to inspire and work in, including ngahere (forest) and wetlands.
Artists applying need to be comfortable in semi-wild places and open to sharing their work freely with park users and the public.
“This is a great opportunity for an artist to explore new territory and to respond to a new site and situation,” says Councillor Alf Filipaina, Chair of the Parks, Arts, Community and Events Committee.
“Previous recipients have given us incredible pieces of art that have revealed unique aspects of the landscapes and environments they have found themselves in.”
Last year’s recipient, Chris McDowall, spent his time at Glenfern Sanctuary on Aotea Great Barrier Island. His work is a series of digital ‘maps’ that encapsulate the knowledge of locals and visitors to the sanctuary. These are due to be unveiled next month.
2019 residents Jenny Gillam and Eugene Hansen will be opening a sonic installation at Titirangi’s Te Uru Gallery next month. This work is based on their time exploring and recording Waitākere Range’s Te Ana Ru (Whatipu Cave) with particular focus on the local stories of a buried kauri dance floor.
Meanwhile, 2016’s Artist in Residence, Kate Parker will be launching her book Kowhai and the Giants in March, the latest iteration of her residency experience at Anawhata.
Councillor Filipaina says the range of art produced shows the strength of the programme.
“Nature speaks to all of us in different ways. Having these innovative artists interpret local stories in creative ways is a legacy that will live on for a long time and inspire many generations of Aucklanders.”
He notes that the programme has been running for 13 years and the 17 recipients have brought stunning work to fruition including performances, concerts, books, films compositions and exhibitions.
Councillor Filipaina urges artists to apply soon, as the closing date for receiving applications is 15 February.
Find out more
Information and application forms for the residency are available on the Auckland Council website.
Applications must be received by 15 February 2021.
For people who are keen to be inspired by the same environments as the artists, explore the accomodation on offer in our regional parks.
