Celebrating Pasifika culture through art: Residency programme returns
Published on 14 May 2024
Together with Creative New Zealand, Palmerston North City Council is paving the way for Pasifika artists with a second residency programme from July to October this year.
This 12-week residency aims to provide a platform for upcoming and established Pasifika artists from the Manawatū-Whanganui region to express their unique artistry and cultural heritage.
Individuals or groups can apply today via Council’s website, with a deadline of 5pm on Friday, 7 June 2024.
Community Services Group Manager Anton Carter, says this is an awesome opportunity for local Pasifika artists.
“We’re grateful for Creative NZ’s support to launch a second programme and believe it will not only provide a supportive environment for artistic growth, but it’ll foster strong connections between the Manawatū arts community, Pasifika artists, and the wider Palmy community."
Mr Carter says art isn’t limited to a paintbrush or dance.
The successful individual or group selected for the residency will receive a stipend totalling $20,000 from Creative NZ. This funding will support the artist(s) in various ways, including encouraging innovation in their artistic practice, facilitating community engagement, and creating opportunities for mentorship or collaboration with local Palmy artists and spaces.
Applicants from surrounding regions are encouraged to apply as the funding can also be used to help with travel and accommodation needs. The artist can carry out their practice in their own space but are required to showcase and exhibit their art in Palmerston North throughout their residency.
The selection process will involve a committee made up of Council staff and local Pasifika arts community members who will evaluate the applications. The successful artist(s) will be announced on our website on Monday 24 June.
The first residency brought with it great success as Tilomai So'otaga Jennifer Tonumaipe'a Farrell-Taylor showed her exhibition at Square Edge Community Arts in February.
Her exhibition Nafanua, A Savage Star Seed was a heartfelt dedication to her late father Mike Farrell and to her late sister Selina which weaved in both her Samoan and Irish heritage into 30 pieces of art.
She says through the residency it felt good to finally have a space that acknowledged her as a Pasifika artist.
“It feels like the beginning of something huge and is a response to a need there was for a space like this.”
For more information, and to apply, go to Pasifika artist in residence