23 Jul 2021
Creative New Zealand and Govett-Brewster Art Gallery/Len Lye Centre have partnered to create a new artist residency that supports Pasifika arts development and engagement in the Taranaki region.
The inaugural Pacific Coordinator Residency, which opens today, will see an artist based at Govett-Brewster Art Gallery in New Plymouth for two months in 2021. The successful artist will receive a stipend to cover travel, materials, programme related costs and accommodation.
Developed under Creative New Zealand’s Pacific Arts Strategy 2018 – 2023, the partnership initiative is aimed to strengthen meaningful relationships and networks between a major regional art gallery and venue with local Pacific artists and communities. A Pacific arts residency in New Plymouth is timely, give Taranaki has a fast-growing Pacific community which has nearly doubled in population over the last decade.
“We’re really excited to see this opportunity come to fruition. We know from our recent New Zealanders and the Arts research that Taranaki residents engage with the arts more than the national average, and Pasifika people feel more positive about the arts than ever before,” says Chief Executive Stephen Wainwright.
During the residency, the Pacific Coordinator will support the development of public programs during 2021, and exhibitions and events of Pacific art forms in the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery from 2022 onwards.
Stephen continues, “It’s fantastic to be able to expand our work to reach our communities in the regions. We’re thrilled that the New Plymouth District Council is also contributing toward some of the costs to ensure the Pacific Coordinator will have the support they need. We know the kaupapa of Te Moana-nui-a-Kiva people is meaningful for our Pasifika people, and be able to provide equity and access alongside the Gallery is a wonderful step forward.”
“The Coordinator will be a really important part of our team and the beginning of a new journey in connecting the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery more deeply with Pacific communities and artists this year,” says Director Zara Stanhope.
“Their work will lay important foundations for future public engagement. We can’t thank Creative New Zealand enough for supporting this new short-term role for the Gallery.”
Applications will be considered from Pacific practitioners in all art forms and art practices, including digital, art creation, design, curation, and public programming.
Govett-Brewster Art Gallery will administer the inaugural pilot Pacific Coordinator Residency and applications will close on 23 August 2021.
Apply here for the Pacific Public Programs Coordinator Residency
For more information on the residency, email info@govettbrewster.com
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