Residency scheme invites New Zealand artists to go wild
New Zealand artists are being urged to get back to nature.
The Department of Conservation and Creative New Zealand today launch a scheme called Wild Creations to connect artists with the country’s natural and historic heritage.
Described as a fusion of creativity and conservation, up to three artists will get access to DoC experiences between November this year and June next year. These could include visiting a place of significance to Maori, working alongside a team trying to save a threatened species, learning more about marine mammal monitoring or staying close to the city to explore urban parkland.
The aim is for artists to create work during or soon after being inspired by the cultural, spiritual and environmental knowledge gained through visiting and spending time at heritage and conservation sites.
DoC says the artwork produced will directly support several objectives, including bringing our history to life and connecting New Zealanders to conservation.
CNZ will invest up to $36,000 to support Wild Creations. The funding covers artists’ stipends, travel and agreed costs associated with up to three proposals over one year.
DoC won’t make a direct monetary contribution but will support artists with accommodation at its sites and transport to get there.
Wild Creations is an extension of a 2002-2012 residency programme during which 24 artists developed work across a range of art-forms.
Photographer Fiona Pardington, who will speak at today’s Wild Creations launch in Devonport, was one of the participants. She has fond memories of living in a garage in Kingston, at the end of Lake Wakatipu, during the winter months.
“It was a life-changing experience, one that allowed me to grow even closer to and more knowledgeable of the whenua I knew and loved as a Ngai Tahu artist.”