Artists invited to explore new horizons in Asia

Artists invited to explore new horizons in Asia

New Zealand artists have the chance to bring fresh perspectives to their work on residencies in Asia.

The Asia New Zealand Foundation is calling for applications from professional artists for eight residencies in 2016, including three new opportunities in China, South Korea and Malaysia. The successful candidates will live and work in Asia at prestigious residency organisations for three months, and will have the opportunity to meet and work with other international artists and curators. The closing date for applications is 31 August.

The residency opportunities are:

• 1 Shanthi Road, Bangalore, India
• Cemeti Art House, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
• I: Project Space, Beijing, China
• Rimbun Dahan residency, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
• SeMa Nanji Artists' Residency, Seoul, South Korea (supported by Creative New Zealand)
• Surface Arts residency, Bangkok, Thailand
• Taipei Artist Village, Taipei, Taiwan (supported by Creative New Zealand)
• Youkobo Art Space, Tokyo, Japan (supported by Creative New Zealand)

Auckland artist Hayley King, known as Flox, has just returned from her residency at Taipei Artist Village, where she led her first international workshop, painted vibrant murals in public spaces, and participated in artist talks. “I couldn't urge other artists enough to give this a go. This valuable opportunity gave me perspective and saw my art practice taken to new levels. Rise to the challenge, you will not regret it.”

Asia New Zealand Foundation director of culture Jennifer King says New Zealand has traditionally looked towards Europe and North American for its artistic influences. “The residency programme has helped New Zealand artists orientate towards Asia, and has helped raise New Zealand's profile in the Asia-Pacific arts scene. Participants have produced some exciting collaborations with international artists and taken their work in new directions. It's a life-changing experience for many artists.

“We're particularly excited about the new residencies. I: Project Space is located in one of Beijing's last remaining hutong alleyways and Rimbun Dahan is the home of eminent Malaysian architect Hijjas Kasturi and his wife Angela. SeMA Nanji is an international residency operated by the Seoul Museum of Art.”

Creative New Zealand senior manager Cath Cardiff says: “Strengthening our country’s artistic links with Asia is a focus for Creative New Zealand and we’re pleased to partner with Asia New Zealand Foundation to support three of the residencies.”

The Foundation has run a programme of artist in residence opportunities in Asia since 2007, exposing New Zealand artists to new ideas and experimental art forms in some of Asia’s most vibrant cities. Many of the resulting works featured in the exhibition Imagine Asia, shown at Pataka Art + Museum earlier in the year.

More information about the residency programme, and application forms, can be found at www.asianz.org.nz
The Asia New Zealand Foundation is the leading non-government organisation on New Zealand-Asia relations, with a range of programmes designed to equip New Zealanders with first-hand experience of Asia and to forge valuable links to the region. Founded in 1994, the Foundation works in five main areas - business, arts and culture, education, media and research. It also runs a Leadership Network and takes a lead role in track II (informal diplomacy) bilateral and multilateral dialogues in the Asia-Pacific region.

ENDS

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