05 Mar 2025
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The Development Fund for Artists and Practitioners provides funding for individual artists, practitioners, or groups of collaborators to support professional and creative development activities that benefit their careers. The fund is now open for applications until 4 April 2025.
Applying for the fund in 2024 was a leap of faith for visual artist Luca Nicholas, but it became a turning point in his practice. Luca used the fund to support a five-week residency at the Frans Masereel Centrum in Belgium.
At the Centrum, Luca explored new techniques and engaged in insightful kōrero with fellow artists. The residency offered professional development opportunities, including critiques with multidisciplinary Belgian artist, Aline Bouvy and Roger Raveel Museum curator, Melanie Deboutte.
The big surprise was his change of focus. Luca originally planned to focus on aquatint etching, but the freedom of silkscreen monotypes quickly drew him in.
“The speed and freedom of the process was addictive—it suited the residency’s timeframe perfectly,” he says.
Luca’s residency work—currently on display at Season Aotearoa—centres on the secondary market for men’s archival fashion, particularly how certain pieces are celebrated while others are overlooked.
His series of silkscreen monotypes, depicting the hands of Belgian fashion designer Dries Van Noten, questions how value is assigned in these spaces.
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“The response to the show has been amazing, and I’m grateful to Jade and Francis from Season Aotearoa for their support. Bringing this work home feels special,” he says.
For artists considering applying for a development fund, Luca has one piece of advice - just do it.
“Even before my application was successful, the process helped me refine my project and build a strong support network. The practice adviser guided me every step of the way—without them, I might not have submitted it.”
“No matter the outcome, the advice and experience are invaluable,” he says.
Luca is looking ahead to new opportunities, with plans to explore other international residencies.
You can view the Hand Over Fist exhibition at Season Aotearoa
The Development Fund is now open for submissions and closes at 1pm on April 4.
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