Wild Creations - a unique opportunity artists

Media Release
Creative New Zealand & Department Of Conservation

25 May 2004

Wild Creations - a unique opportunity for the artists of Aotearoa

Applications now open

Artists interested in taking part in the 2005 Wild Creations artist-in-residence programme, part of an exciting partnership between Creative New Zealand and the Department of Conservation, have until Tuesday 31 August to
submit their written proposals.

This is the third year that the Wild Creations programme has been offered. It aims to foster links between conservation and artists by encouraging them to create work inspired by New Zealand's unique places, people, stories and natural environment.

There are 22 locations offered throughout New Zealand including two new locations this year Rakiura (Stewart Island) and Great Barrier Island. The residency is open to artists working in all artforms.

One of the three inaugural artists selected to undertake the Wild Creations residencies was Auckland sculptor Christine Hellyar, who spent six weeks in the Egmont National Park. She describes the residency as a "wonderful gift."

"The Wild Creations residency offered me a unique chance to have time and space in the remote piece of New Zealand which means the most to me. It allowed me to reconnect with my roots as I grew up in New Plymouth and spent a lot of time roaming around Mount Taranaki. The experience was a wonderful gift and I loved every minute of it."

The two other artists selected for the 2003 programme were Christchurch filmmaker Zoë Roland, who chose Tiritiri Matangi Island as her location, and Wellington writer and performer Jo Randerson who went to Te Angiangi Marine Reserve and Cape Kidnappers in the Hawke's Bay

Artists selected for the 2004 programme were photographer Fiona Pardington who is currently taking up a residency at Kingston Central Otago, musician Jordan Reyne who intends to spend time in the Karamea area on the West Coast in December and theatre performer and puppeteer Rebekah Wild who will spend in the Franz Josef Glacier area.

For Auckland-based Pardington, the residency offers an opportunity to strengthen the links with her Ngai Tahu iwi, with work in some important pounamu sites. That's something DOC Tumuaki Kaupapa Atawhai Tata Lawton says he is keen to encourage further.

"Along with local iwi, DOC is involved in the kaitiakitanga (guardianship) of some extremely special sites. There are lots of opportunities for Mäori artists to work with iwi to enhance understanding and knowledge of these places through their artform."

Creative New Zealand Chief Executive Elizabeth Kerr said there has been a high level of interest since the residencies were introduced, over 100 proposals were submitted for the 2004 residencies

"The residencies have captured people's imaginations and reflect the way in which New Zealand artists are inspired by our natural landscapes and history," Miss Kerr said. "As with last year, we will be looking for proposals from artists to create work in direct response to the site they have chosen."

Department of Conservation Director-General Hugh Logan, said the residencies were an ideal way of promoting New Zealand's natural and historic heritage.

"This partnership is an example of the way in which government agencies can work together for mutual benefit," Mr Logan said. "The residencies provide a valuable opportunity for artists to create work in our protected places and they also increase awareness of New Zealand's conservation values."

The residencies are open to artists working in any artform and cultural tradition. It is expected that artists selected for the residencies will be New Zealand citizens or permanent residents who are professional practising artists with a track record.

The Department of Conservation hosts the artists during their residencies and Creative New Zealand provides a stipend of $5000, plus up to $1000 for travel and materials, to each artist.

A selection panel, made up of Creative New Zealand and Department of Conservation representatives, will select the three artists to undertake the 2004 residencies. The selected artists will be notified by the end of November.

Artists are expected to select their preferred site before submitting their proposal. These locations are described in the guidelines and information pack, available from either the Department of Conservation or Creative New Zealand.

ENDS

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