Maori artist sought for Washington residency

_Media release

Date: 5 October 2005

Màori artist sought for Washington residency

Established Màori artists are invited to apply for a three month residency next year at the Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington.

The pilot residency, a new initiative from Te Waka Toi, the Màori arts board of Creative New Zealand, will have a strong focus on interaction with Native American artists and will be based at the college’s Longhouse Education and Cultural Center. A ‘longhouse’ is the Native American equivalent of a Màori wharenui.

Applications for the residency close on 28 October and is open to artists who have demonstrated excellence in carving, weaving, painting or claymaking. The residency will run from mid March to mid June next year and the artists will work on a practical project of their choosing.

Te Waka Toi board member Sandy Adsett said the successful applicant would be expected to foster inter-cultural exchanges that expand the knowledge of Màori and Native American arts and cultures.

“When we meet indigenous artists from other countries, we are often amazed at the similarities in our cultures and our arts practices,” he said.

“Te Waka Toi is helping Màori artists gain valuable professional development from working alongside artists from other cultures.

“They will also be expected to share their knowledge of our culture and heritage with their hosts and we are therefore looking for applicants who have a demonstrated ability to be a cultural ambassador for Màori,” Mr Adsett said.

The residence includes airfares, accommodation, studio space, and a stipend. Artists wishing to apply for the residency can get applications from Margarett@creativenz.govt.nz or 04 4980714. Applications close on 28 October 2005.

ENDS

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