Artists Want To Go Wild

July 3, 2002

More than 150 artists have applied for the first ever Wild Creations artists-in-residence programme run jointly by Creative New Zealand and the Department of Conservation.

The programme 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 environments.

Applications have now closed and a panel has the task of choosing just three artists to take up six-week residencies around the country.

DOC will host each artist while Creative New Zealand will provide a stipend.

Creative New Zealand’s chief executive, Elizabeth Kerr, says the response from artists in many creative fields – poets, composers, choreographers and visual artists – has been overwhelming.

“The large number of applications for the first three residencies confirms our view that artists in New Zealand are strongly drawn to the natural environment as a source of inspiration,” she says.

“We are expecting ‘wild’ and wonderful art works to result which can be enjoyed by all New Zealanders.”

The Director-General of DOC, Hugh Logan, believes the residencies will produce spectacular works which will capture the imagination of people both in New Zealand and overseas.

The three artists chosen will be announced in September, and they will take up their residencies over the summer of 2002-2003.

The Wild Creations programme is a pilot project for the first year and if successful, it may take place each year.
ENDS.

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