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Visual Artist in Residence 2025 – Call for Applications


2024 Visual artists in Residence Mitchell Manuel new work - Cambell

Toi Pōneke is calling for proposals from Wellington-based artists for our 2025 Visual Arts Residency.

The aim of this residency is to support a Wellington-based visual artist or small group of Wellington-based visual artists to develop their individual or collective practice and provide them with resources to dedicate themselves full time to their practice for a period of 12 weeks.

The Toi Pōneke Visual Arts Residency 2025 marks the eighth year of this opportunity. Applicants should have had a project in a public or artist run space and be looking to develop and expand on their practice. Shortlisted candidates may be invited to an interview with a selection panel before a final decision is made.

The successful applicant will be programmed to exhibit in Toi Pōneke Arts Centre in 2026 with financial support for catering. Highly regarded applicants can also be considered for the exhibition calendar.

The successful applicant will spend up to 25 hours a week in a studio for 12 weeks to develop the artistic and research components of their practice and will be considered favorably for the 2027 exhibition calendar. On occasion, outstanding applications are also considered for upcoming exhibition calendars.

What’s on Offer

  • Toi Pōneke will provide the candidate with a studio space to work for 12 weeks with 24/7 access from Monday 23 June - Friday 12 September 2025

  • Access to advisors to provide feedback on research and artistic development.

  • A stipend of $6450.00 (gross) for the 3 months whilst the artist is in residence.

  • Budget to pay 2 external mentors to advise

  • A material budget of $400.00 to support research and development

Eligibility

  • Available only to current Wellington-based New Zealand citizens or permanent residents (applicants must be living in Wellington during the residency).

  • Applicants must have had a project in a public or artist run space.

  • Applicants must be able to commit to this residency and spend at least 25 hours per week at the Toi Pōneke studio.

  • Employees of Wellington City Council are not eligible to apply.

  • There is no living accommodation offered, the successful recipient will have organized their own living accommodation.

Requirements

At the beginning of the residency the artist must schedule three progress meetings with Toi Pōneke during their residency.

At the completion of the residency the successful candidate will be required to provide a report and feedback on their residency to Toi Pōneke.

Your Application should comprise of:

  • A filled in Application Form (online or word) or video submission.

  • A Visual Arts Resume; including upcoming activities, images, links to relevant documentation and two referees.

    Resume details:

    • two referees: name, position, phone number and email address or letters of support

    • Up to 10 images of recent work A5 size, with captions and a short description if necessary.

    • Links to any relevant documentation include articles or papers about work, exhibitions, publications, etc.

  • One support letter

How to Apply

Word format:

  • Download the application form

  • Complete your application as a single PDF (one file labelled with your name)

  • Upload your application

Online format:

  • Complete the online form

  • Upload the support documents as a Single PDF

Video format:

  • Site the application form below, answer the questions

  • Upload a video

  • Upload the support documents as a Single PDF

  • Label all uploaded documents with: your name, document type, 25VAR
    e.g. Samsmith,CV,25VAR

  • Toi Pōneke will send you a receipt of your application

Please see our handy hints and tips document for writing proposals.

If you have any questions about this opportunity, please email:
jaimie.waititi@wcc.govt.nz

 

key dates 2025

Monday 28 April
Call for submissions OPEN

Sunday 01 June
Submissions due by midnight

09 - 12 June
Selection panel meetings

Friday 13 June
Successful artist announced.

Residency agreement and exhibition pack meeting prior to commencement of residency

Monday 23 June - Friday 12 September 2024
Residency runs

Wednesday 16 July
First presentation

Wednesday 13 August
Second presentation

Wednesday 10 September
Third presentation

Friday 12 September
Pack out

NOTE: There is no exhibition attached to this residency in the year 2025. Successful applicants will be highly regarded for the 2026 gallery calendar.

01 October 2025
Residency Report due

The above dates are non-negotiable.

Strong applications will consider the following:

Accessibility;
Collaboration and community;
Te Aho Tini 2023 Action plan. (See here)

These can be seen in the residency process, the development of practice or considerations in research.