Creative New Zealand: All news feed

Best First Book Awards Announced

Wed, 30 May 2012 10:57:34 +1200

Wellington Ph.D student Hamish Clayton has won the NZSA Best First Book Award for Fiction – the country’s highest accolade for an emerging writer – for his novel, Wulf.

The honour is one of three New Zealand Society of Authors (NZSA) Awards which recognise standout new writers across fiction, poetry and non-fiction categories. The Awards are part of the 2012 New Zealand Post Book Awards; the country’s premier prizes for literature.

Awards’ convenor Chris Bourke says the judges’ described Wulf as one of the most memorable debut novels in recent times.

“Hamish Clayton's first novel is a work of bravura lyricism, a brilliant feat of imagining that transforms historical events which occurred in early nineteenth century New Zealand into metaphor and myth.”

District Court and Family Court judge, John Adams wins the 2012 NZSA Best First Book Award for Poetry for his collection, Briefcase.

Mr Bourke says the judges considered Briefcase to be a daring debut that marries law and poetry; a challenging, creative and moving collection.

“Using clever language play, Adams has created a poetry smorgasbord of plain poems, lyrical lines, traditional forms, fake documents, a Sudoku puzzle and so on. But what takes this collection beyond the post-modern gymnasium is its ability to affect you.

“His experimentation with form depends upon the heart as much as it does the intellect.”

One of the country’s best-known designers, Michael Smythe took the NZSA Best First Book Award for Non-Fiction with his work, New Zealand by Design.

“In this lively examination of New Zealand industrial design, Michael Smythe champions the innovators and visionaries. He also rues the follies and the political and economic decisions that have stymied far-sighted ideas from our designers,” says Mr Bourke.

The judging panel included multi-award winning poet, writer, critic and journalist David Eggleton, writer, publisher, book designer and typesetter Mary Egan, poet, reviewer, writer and anthologist Paula Green, writer and Maori and Pacific literature specialist Reina Whaitiri (Kai Tahu). They agreed the winners are all writers whose future work is keenly anticipated: they have taken creative risks or explored fresh historical territory, and succeeded with aplomb.

The full list of 2012 NZSA Best First Book Awards winners:

NZSA 2012 Hubert Church Award for Fiction: Wulf by Hamish Clayton (Penguin Group, NZ)

NZSA 2012 Jessie Mackay Best First Book Award for Poetry: Briefcase by John Adams (Auckland University Press)

NZSA 2012 E.H. McCormick Best First Book Award for Non-Fiction: New Zealand by Design by Michael Smythe (Random House New Zealand)

Each NZSA Best First Book Awards category winner receives $2,500.New Zealand Post’s sponsorship of the national book awards reflects their long-standing support for literacy and education. The New Zealand Post Book Awards 2012 are also funded by Creative New Zealand. The Awards are managed by Book Awards Governance Group, administered by Booksellers NZ and supported by the New Zealand Society of Authors and Book Tokens (NZ) Ltd.

Key dates:
• 6 June 2012 New Zealand Post Book Awards FINALIST ANNOUNCEMENT
• 6 June 2012 Readers’ Choice Award VOTING OPENS
• 27 July 2012 NATIONAL POETRY DAY
• 6 July 2012 Readers’ Choice Award VOTING CLOSES, 5pm.
• 1 August 2012 New Zealand Post Book Awards WINNERS ANNOUNCED.
• 2 August 2012 New Zealand Post Book Awards WINNERS EVENT.

www.nzpostbookawards.co.nz

New Zealanders support for the arts is strong: survey results revealed

Mon, 28 May 2012 22:52:52 +1200

New Zealanders continue to enjoy and support the arts despite the difficult economic environment, according to Creative New Zealand’s latest survey.

Most New Zealanders (80%) agree the arts help define who we are as New Zealanders. Engagement in the arts also remains strong, with 85% of New Zealanders attending or being actively involved in the arts in the past 12 months.

The results are included in Creative New Zealand’s triennial survey, New Zealanders and the Arts: Attitudes, Attendance and Participation in 2011.

‘’As a nation we continue to value the arts highly and young New Zealanders, in particular, gain a strong sense of wellbeing from being creative,’’ says Creative New Zealand’s Chief Executive, Stephen Wainwright.

‘’This is despite the devastating Christchurch earthquakes and the difficult economic climate, both creating challenges for the arts sector.’’

The triennial survey also revealed some new findings:

Young New Zealanders are increasingly involved in the arts: four out of five young Kiwis (80%) like to do at least one creative arts activity in their spare time. And the arts makes them feel good about themselves, with nearly half (46%) saying they feel “brilliant” when being creative and a further third (38%) saying they feel “really good”.
Young New Zealanders rate being creative as a favourite pastime (80%), ahead of playing computer or video games (77%) and alongside watching TV and DVDs (80%).
Online engagement with the arts has grown significantly. In 2011, 51% of New Zealanders watched a performance or looked at art online, compared to 38% in 2008. This had a flow-on effect for attendance at live events, with 23% of online arts viewers attending the live event as a result, compared to just 15% in 2008.
Māori and Pacific arts events appeal to a broad range of New Zealanders. Almost three-quarters (74%) of those who attended a Māori arts event in the past 12 months did not identify as Māori and 88% of people who attended a Pacific arts event did not identify as from a Pacific Island ethnic group. “This strong interest in Māori and Pacific arts reflects both our changing demographics and who we are as a nation,’’ said Mr Wainwright.

New Zealanders and the Arts: Attitudes, Attendance and Participation in 2011 aims to provide insights that help the arts community and its supporters identify new trends in a changing environment and take up new opportunities. The research was conducted by independent research company Colmar Brunton and involved just over 3300 New Zealanders. It builds on previous research in 2005 and 2008.

More facts and figures:

The market for arts and culture in New Zealand is large, with 95% of those surveyed saying that they have been to at least one cultural event within the last three years – compared to 87% in Australia and 85% in the United Kingdom according to similar surveys in those countries.
Attendance at arts events in Christchurch has been severely affected by the earthquakes, with two-thirds of Christchurch residents saying they attend the arts less frequently.
Ninety percent of Christchurch people agree that arts and culture are vital to the re-building of the city, and 94% agree it is important for the city to be recognised for excellence in the arts.

A full report of the national results is available now at:

www.creativenz.govt.nz/nzersandthearts2011

The 2008 report is also available.

For further information and interview requests, please contact:

Rebecca Lancashire
Senior Communications Adviser
Creative New Zealand|
04 498 0725
027 677 8070
Rebecca.Lancashire@creativenz.govt.nz

Watch the launch video

Vodafone Foundation Canterbury Fund

Fri, 25 May 2012 20:18:35 +1200

What’s it all about?

The Vodafone Foundation Canterbury Fund was established in partnership with the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal Trust in 2011, to support the rebuilding of Christchurch. The aim is to make a positive, long term difference within Christchurch communities and be agile and flexible as needs emerge. Supporting youth is a major theme of the fund.

The Fund totals $4 million dollars with the first $1 million contributed by the Vodafone Group Foundation, the second $1 million contributed by the Vodafone NZ business and $2 million matched by the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal Trust.

Small Grants

In 2012 grants of between $5,000 and $50,000 will be made available for youth focused projects and capital/infrastructure projects.

more information

More about eligibility and how to apply on the vodafone website.

Vector Wellington Orchestra's Baby Pops

Thu, 24 May 2012 16:12:43 +1200

Vector Wellington Orchestra is performing its popular annual concert for children aged two to six years, in Masterton, Palmerston North and Wellington, between June 14 – 17.

This year’s theme is all about counting and alphabet rhymes. Children and their caregivers will sing and act along with classics such as Do-Re-Mi and ABC, keep time to Grandfather's Clock, and thrill to big orchestral numbers such as Sabre Dance and the Star Wars theme.

Even the youngest listeners will love learning to conduct and count in the musicians. The big finale, as always, is a march right through the middle of the orchestra, with a chance to get up close to the musicians as they play.

Vector Wellington's story this year is the Maori legend of Tongariro’s fight with Taranaki. Set to music by VWO Education Composer-in-Residence Thomas Goss, The Battle of the Mountains features some spectacular percussion.

Multi-talented master of ceremonies Kevin Keyes will tell the story as cymbals, gongs and drums of all kinds help the orchestra depict the mighty mountains’ struggle.

Thursday 14 June, 10.15am
Wairarapa College

Regent on Broadway
Friday 15 June 10.15am

Michael Fowler Centre
Sunday 17 June 3.00pm

For more information or images:
Erica Challis
Publicist, Vector Wellington Orchestra
04 971 1853 / 021 102 6932
echallis@clear.net.nz

Creative New Zealand Michael King Fellowship Announced

Thu, 24 May 2012 14:58:06 +1200

Auckland-based writer and academic Dr Peter Simpson has been awarded the 2012 Creative New Zealand Michael King Writer’s Fellowship.

Dr Simpson is the author of six non-fiction books, including Fantastica:The World of Leo Bensemann (Auckland University Press, 2011); Patron and Painter: Charles Brasch and Colin McCahon (Hocken Collections, 2010); Colin McCahon: The Titirangi Years 1953-1959 (AUP, 2007) and Answering Hark: McCahon/Caselberg: Painter/Poet (Craig Potton, 2001). He has edited, or contributed to, many other titles, including books on Allen Curnow, Kendrick Smithyman, Ronald Hugh Morrieson, Charles Spear and Peter Peryer.

During his fellowship, Dr Simpson will work on a new project exploring the rich and fertile artistic scene in Christchurch from 1933 to 1953, with the working title Bloomsbury South.

“I am delighted to be offered this generous fellowship, which will enable me to undertake a project I’ve thought about for years,“ Dr Simpson says. “The new book will be a cross-disciplinary study of the network of relationships between poets, painters, musicians, playwrights and publishers that created a vital phase of our cultural history.”

Dr Simpson is also co-founder and part-time director of the Holloway Press, which publishes limited edition books of scholarly or artistic merit. He is a former Head of English at the University of Auckland.

The Michael King Writer’s Fellowship is open to established writers of any literary genre who have already published a significant body of work. Valued at $100,000, it is awarded annually for a project that will take two or more years to complete.

For further information and interview requests, please contact:
Rebecca Lancashire | Senior Communications Adviser
Creative New Zealand | Old Public Trust Building, 131-135 Lambton Quay
PO Box 3806 | Wellington 6140
T +64 4 473 0880 | DDI +64 4 498 0725| M +64 (0) 27 677 8070 | F +64 4 471 2865
http://www.creativenz.govt.nz/

Poet Awarded Iowa Residency

Wed, 23 May 2012 13:43:47 +1200

New Zealand poet Jeffrey Paparoa Holman has been awarded Creative New Zealand’s University of Iowa residency for 2012.

Christchurch-based Holman will use the three-month residency to work on two new books of poems. Both cover new ground: Second Cuts is based on his experiences working in shearing gangs in the 60s and early 70s and in the second book, The True and Intimate Confessions of a Dylan Junkie, each poem is inspired by a line from the Bob Dylan song, A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall.

“It is a huge privilege to have a block of time to dedicate to these two books,’’ Dr Holman says. “Iowa is the centre of the creative writing universe historically - a hotbed of excellence - and that is bound to be energising for any writer.’’

Dr Holman is senior adjunct fellow in the School of Humanities at the University of Canterbury. He writes both poetry and non-fiction (history, biography and memoir). He has published seven books of poetry, including Fly Boy (Steele Roberts, 2010); and Autumn Waiata (Cold Hub Press, 2010) and has been included in numerous anthologies. His non-fiction includes Best of Both Worlds: the story of Elsdon Best and Tutakangahau (Penguin, 2010).

Prompted by the Christchurch earthquakes, particularly the 22 February 2011 event which killed 185 people, he has produced a new volume of poetry, Shaken Down 6.3, to be published by Canterbury University Press in June. A new non-fiction book, The Lost Pilot, (Penguin) is due out in 2013.

The Creative New Zealand’s annual University of Iowa residency is open to both emerging and established writers. Creative New Zealand’s grant of $20,000 goes towards airfares, accommodation and living expenses for the selected writer.

The University of Iowa’s International Writing Programme brings together writers from around the world to join the lively literary community on campus. Dr Holman will travel to Iowa in late August.

For further information and interview requests, please contact:
Rebecca Lancashire | Senior Communications Adviser
Creative New Zealand | Old Public Trust Building, 131-135 Lambton Quay
PO Box 3806 | Wellington 6140
T +64 4 473 0880 | DDI +64 4 498 0725 | M +64 (0) 27 677 8070 | F +64 4 471 2865
http://www.creativenz.govt.nz/

New Zealand composer orchestrates Queen’s Jubilee celebrations

Wed, 23 May 2012 11:10:48 +1200

New Zealand composer Ewan Clark helped orchestrate the Queen’s Jubilee celebrations at a gala dinner for the world’s sovereign monarchs hosted by the Prince of Wales at Buckingham Palace on Friday 18 May.

After the dinner the Philharmonia Orchestra entertained the guests, and three of the concert pieces were orchestrated by the London-based New Zealander.

“I am very honoured to have been given this wonderful opportunity to partake in the celebrations of the Queen's Jubilee,” he said.

Mr Clark is studying at the Royal College of Music with support from Creative New Zealand and the Edwin Carr Foundation Scholarship.

“Were it not for Creative New Zealand and the Edwin Carr Foundation Scholarship, I would not be in London as a student…and opportunities such orchestrations for the Philharmonia would be much further from my reach.”

I am very grateful that the financial assistance of Creative New Zealand is liberating me to pursue my dream career.

More at www.ewanclarkmusic.com/news

Artspace shapes budding curators

Tue, 22 May 2012 16:34:37 +1200

Artspace is pleased to announce the exhibition alienate/demonstrate/edit curated by Arron Santry, Artspace’s Curatorial Intern 2011/2012.

Santry is the 8th intern to be given this sought-after role. Established in 2004, the programme was the first of its kind in New Zealand, since then Artspace has been training curators in a one-year mentored position that remains a vital instrument in growing the experience and professionalism of contemporary art in New Zealand.

“The Curatorial Intern is an invaluable resource in the life of the office and Arron has made great use of his first-hand experience working alongside local and international, emerging and established artists, solidifying his writing skills and gaining confidence in the many tasks a curator needs to be familiar with,” says Artspace Director Caterina Riva.

As the culmination of his internship, Santry will mount an ambitious exhibition, which features work by artists from around the world including: Japan, Holland, USA, Austria and New Zealand.

alienate/demonstrate/edit considers the way technology, particularly the Internet, affects our experience and understanding when used as a tool to research art or access images. "In some ways, the process of curatorial research in the context of the internet became the subject of my research. I became more and more interested in the tensions generated by the aesthetic contexts in which I was seeing work viewing copies, low-res images, art blogs. The show then crystallised around the ways artists deal with these conditions, and the conditions of aesthetic mediation in contemporary society," says Santry.

Along with the exhibition at Artspace, Santry has invited Japanese artist Yousuke Fuyama and Dutch artist Vincent Riebeek to visit Auckland to offer free public performances, and the opportunity to meet and work alongside local artists.

“I feel extremely fortunate to have had the opportunity to develop this project under the guidance of a curator as engaged as Caterina Riva. Her support and insight have enabled me to bring together an amazing group of international artists and pursue an exciting curatorial project," says Santry.

alienate/demonstrate/edit with Yousuke Fuyama (Japan), Oliver Laric (Austria), Joseph Nerney (NZ), Vincent Riebeek (Holland), Sean Snyder (USA) opens at 6pm on Friday the 25th of May (with a performance by Vincent Riebeek) and runs until the 30th of June.

Artspace gratefully acknowledges Dame Jenny Gibbs for her support of the Artspace Curatorial Intern programme.

For more information please contact Leah Mulgrew on +64 9 3034965 or email media@artspace.org.nz

Artspace receives major funding from Creative New Zealand

Local curators to gain Asian inspiration

Tue, 29 May 2012 15:08:14 +1200

Three New Zealand curators working to build art links with Asia have been chosen to tour the cutting-edge contemporary arts scenes in China, South Korea and Japan.

Auckland curators Andrew Clifford and Vera Mey, and Wellington’s Mark Williams will participate in the three-week 2012 Curator Tour, supported by Creative New Zealand and the Asia New Zealand Foundation.

The tour, which is the third of its kind, includes visits to leading museums, galleries, and artist spaces in the three countries. The curators will visit the Gwangju Biennale and Media City Seoul in Korea, and the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennial in Japan. The locally facilitated tour will also include meetings with leading institutions and artists in Beijing and Shanghai.

Asia New Zealand Foundation director of culture Jennifer King says she is particularly excited to have Japan included in the programme for the first time.

“The Echigo Triennial is not well-known in New Zealand but it’s a really interesting concept that combines modern art with the traditional countryside, and will certainly provide fresh inspiration for the curators.

“We’ve been told by the curatorial community that these tours allow them to gain access to networks they would otherwise not be able to, and to gain a real understanding of the region. We’re aware of exciting exhibitions being planned by New Zealand curators who participated in the previous tours, as a result of the contacts they have made.”

She thanked Creative New Zealand for supporting the tour again this year.

“Creative New Zealand recognises the importance of building strong artistic links with Asia,” says Cath Cardiff, senior manager Arts Policy, Capability and International at Creative New Zealand “We look forward to seeing relationships and opportunities that have been nurtured over the last three years, continue to develop and grow”.

Background about the curators:

Andrew Clifford is a freelance writer and works as a curator at The University of Auckland’s Centre for Art Research. The Centre administers the Gus Fisher Gallery, the University’s art collection and the student-led Window gallery. Andrew has a longstanding interest in New Zealand’s cultural context as part of the Asia-Pacific region. He has been involved in bringing many Asian artists and their works to New Zealand, and in curating exhibitions with Asian-New Zealand artists.

Vera Mey is the assistant director of Auckland University of Technology's ST PAUL St Gallery. She aims to become an expert in contemporary Asian art and histories, informed by her curatorial practice and her background as a first-generation Asian New Zealander of Cambodian and Indonesian heritage. Last year she participated in the Gwangju Biennale’s third International Curator Course in South Korea, and was able to build extensive networks in Asia.

Mark Williams is the founding director of arts agency CIRCUIT Artist Film and Video Aotearoa New Zealand, launched this year. The agency’s collection features a number of Asian New Zealand artists, including Jae Hoon Lee, Seung Yul Oh, Hye Rim Lee and Samin Son. Mark worked at the New Zealand Film Archive from 1999 to 2010, for much of that time as exhibitions manager. Earlier this year, he was invited to attend the Bangkok Experimental Film Festival, where he screened a number of films and took part indiscussions about the reuse of archival images.

For media inquiries contact:

Rebecca Palmer

Media Adviser

Asia New Zealand Foundation

Telephone 64 4 470 8701

Email: rpalmer@asianz.org.nz

Pirimia Burger

Communications Adviser

Creative New Zealand

Telephone: 64 4 498 0727

Email: pirimia.burger@creativenz.govt.nz

New Zealand Post Children's Book Awards winners announced

Tue, 22 May 2012 15:51:59 +1200

The true story of a World War l Kiwi soldier has won the country’s highest honour in children’s writing at the 2012 New Zealand Post Children’s Book Awards.

Nice Day for a War, by author Matt Elliot and illustrated by Chris Slane was awarded the 2012 New Zealand Post Children’s Book of the Year at a ceremony in Wellington on 16 May. The book is based on the original diaries of Elliot’s grandfather, Corporal Cyril Elliot.

“Nice Day for a War is a stand-out book which offers young readers an honest glimpse into the lives of soldiers during World War I,” says Gillian Candler, the Awards Convenor of Judges.

“The beautiful, fluid line drawings and muted watercolour washes bring the diary to life. The interplay between the illustrations and text creates a powerful, emotionally engaging story for young readers.

“The judging panel are delighted to award it the New Zealand Post Children’s Book of the Year for 2012,” says Candler.

A picture book, The Cat’s Pyjamas by first time published writer and illustrator Catherine Foreman, won the coveted 2012 Children’s Choice Award. The award is heralded as a significant indicator of audience opinion. The book’s main character enchanted children throughout New Zealand with his colourful collection of pyjamas; one for every day of the week.

Debut writer Leonie Agnew not only took this year’s Best First Book Award but also won the Junior Fiction category for her novel Super Finn.

“The characters in Super Finn are incredibly funny and thoroughly believable. This book touches the heart and the funny bone. The judges couldn’t ask for more,” says Candler.

The Young Adult Fiction category award went to Calling the Gods by Jack Lasenby. Calling the Gods was praised by the judges as a masterful work that transcends genre and can be read, with pleasure, on many levels.

Rāhui by Chris Szekely and illustrated by Malcolm Ross won the Picture Book category. The book has two language editions: Te Reo Māori and English.

“Both versions of this beautiful book have a timeless quality, with the story dealing sensitively with the sad drowning of a cousin,” Candler says.

The judging panel, which included children’s bookseller Annemarie Florian and author and illustrator Bob Kerr, were impressed by the thought-provoking nature of this year’s finalists and said the books would help young people better understand both themselves and others.

“It was a pleasure selecting the winners of the 2012 New Zealand Post Children’s Book Awards. We read aloud, laughed, were intrigued and held in suspense. And we empathised. This year’s finalists all feature strong stories that hold the reader, skilful language and illustration, and engaging themes,” Candler added.

The 2012 New Zealand Post Children’s Book Awards winners are:

New Zealand Post Children’s Book of the Year
Nice Day for a War by Matt Elliott and illustrated by Chris Slane (HarperCollins Publishers)

Children’s Choice Award
The Cat’s Pyjamas by Catherine Foreman (Scholastic New Zealand)

Best First Book Award
Super Finn by Leonie Agnew (Scholastic New Zealand)

Picture Book category
Rāhui (Maori version) by Chris Szekely translated by Brian Morris and illustrated by Malcolm Ross (Huia Publishers)
Rāhui (English version) by Chris Szekely and illustrated by Malcolm Ross (Huia Publishers)

Honour Award
Shaolin Burning by Ant Sang (HarperCollins Publishers)

Non-Fiction category
Nice Day for a War by Matt Elliott and illustrated by Chris Slane (HarperCollins Publishers)

Honour Award
Digging Up The Past: Archaeology For The Young & Curious by David Veart (Auckland University Press)

Junior Fiction category
Super Finn by Leonie Agnew (Scholastic New Zealand)

Honour Award
The Travelling Restaurant by Barbara Else (Gecko Press)

Young Adult Fiction category
Calling the Gods by Jack Lasenby (HarperCollins Publishers)

Honour Award
The Bridge by Jane Higgins (Text Publishing Company)

Each Category Award winner received $7,500. The winner of the New Zealand Post Children’s Book of the Year Award took home an extra $7,500. The winner of the Best First Book Award and the Children’s Choice Award received prize money of $2,000 each.

Each Honour Award recipient received $500. Honour Awards are discretionary and are awarded in recognition of particular features in a book.

New Zealand Post is proud to be principal sponsor of the New Zealand Book Awards and the Children’s Book Awards. New Zealand Post is committed to promoting and assisting literacy in our communities and supporting excellence in literature, and to actively encouraging New Zealanders to read and enjoy books. Additional funding for the Awards is provided by Creative New Zealand.

The Awards are overseen by the New Zealand Post Book Awards Governance Group, administered by Booksellers NZ and including representatives of the New Zealand Society of Authors, The Publishers Association of New Zealand, New Zealand Post and Creative New Zealand.

For further information, interview, photo or filming opportunities please contact: Penny Hartill, Hartill Communications Ltd: 09 445 7525, 021 721 424, phartill@xtra.co.nz

www.nzpostbookawards.co.nz

Prime Minister's Awards for Literature: nominations close soon

Wed, 16 May 2012 10:47:22 +1200

Every year, New Zealanders are invited to nominate their choice of an outstanding writer who has made a significant contribution to New Zealand literature in the genres of non-fiction, poetry and fiction. New Zealand writers are also able to nominate themselves for these awards.
The nominations are assessed by an expert literary panel and recommendations forwarded to Creative New Zealand for approval, with the award recipients announced in a ceremony at Premier House.
In 2011, Dame Fiona Kidman gained the award for Fiction; Peter Bland for Poetry and James Belich for Non-Fiction.

Nominate a writer and see previous winners

Nominations close on 22 June at 5pm. Don’t miss your opportunity to support an outstanding New Zealand writer, whose work has entertained, moved or inspired you.

Literary Residency opportunities in China and India

Wed, 16 May 2012 09:37:19 +1200

The M Literary Residency Programme has been established to disseminate a broader
knowledge of contemporary life and writing in India and China today and to foster deeper intellectual, cultural and artistic links across individuals and communities.

The intent of the residency is to provide space and time primarily for writing and locationspecific research. It is not to be used as base for travel in order to undertake research
further afield.

Residencies

Applicants may apply for ONE of two M Literary Residencies:

Bangalore, India
A three-month residency at Sangam House, in a rural setting near Bangalore, South
India from late 2013 to early 2014.

Shanghai, China
A three-month residency in Shanghai. The residency must be taken up before March
1st, 2014

Eligibility

The applicant does not need to be a published author - unpublished writers are welcome to apply

There are no nationality restrictions for applications. However, applicants should be over 21 years old and be writing in English
Applications will be accepted in the following genres only: fiction, non-fiction, poetry, dramatic prose
Past applicants are welcome to reapply

Read the guidelines and application form for more information.

The 2012 NZSA Asian Short Story Competition is now open!

Tue, 15 May 2012 13:42:09 +1200

After an auspicious beginning in 2011 the NZSA Asian Short Story Competition is once again open for entries.

As the national body supporting writers in New Zealand, the NZSA is keen to promote Asian writing and offer an opportunity for Asian writers to showcase their work.

One of last year’s judges, Renee Liang, says it was wonderful to see a broad representation of stories and characters which hailed from South Asia, South East Asia and North East Asia. She adds that the winning story “Paper Butterflies” by Wellington writer Rosabel Tan was a delightful standout amongst the high quality entries.

Entry is open to New Zealand permanent residents who are Asian or of Asian ethnicity. Short stories will be in English, and the theme is open. Stories will ideally contain some Asian content, though not necessarily be set in Asia.

The minimum length of entries is 2,500 words, and the maximum length of entries is 3,500 words.There is a total of $4,500 in cash prizes. First prize: $3,000. Second: $1,000. Third: $500.

A shortlist of 5 will be announced on 21 October. Winners will be announced in November 2012.

The competition deadline is 30 August 2012. Terms & conditions and application forms are downloadable from www.authors.org.nz or email programmes@nzauthors.org.nz

2012 John Fries Memorial Prize for emerging visual artists: entries close soon

Tue, 15 May 2012 12:04:28 +1200

This $10,000 annual non-acquisitive award is open to Australian or New Zealand artists of all ages and disciplines, who are not enrolled as students and whose work is not held in the collection of a state, territory or national public art gallery. Entries close on 4 June 2012 at 5pm.

The winner will be announced at the opening of the exhibition on August 14. The finalists' exhibition is curated by Venita Poblocki. The prize will be judged by Wayne Tunnicliffe, Head Curator of Australian Art at the Art Gallery of NSW and artists Bronwyn Bancroft and Kath Fries. The finalists’ exhibition will be held at Gaffa Galleries, Sydney, from 11 August to 1 September. The competition is administered by Viscopy.

For further information, go to
http://www.viscopy.org.au/john-fries-prize
Email: jfmp@viscopy.org.au

Record Ticket Sales for 2012 Auckland Writers and Readers Festival

Mon, 14 May 2012 14:15:07 +1200

Sales for the Auckland Writers and Readers Festival have hit an all-time high this year, with more than 24,000 tickets sold for the just-delivered five day programme. This represents a 10% increase on 2011.

From 9-13 May, more than 120 guests have delivered 82 sessions and workshops to thousands of New Zealanders who have filled the Aotea Centre and surrounding venues to hear and meet writers from across the world.

“We’re delighted to have exceeded all our artistic, financial and audience targets and delivered a world class literature festival into the centre of Auckland,” said Chair Sarah Sandley.

“This event continues to grow in both stature and popular appeal and has truly become one of Auckland and New Zealand’s premiere cultural events, going from strength to strength and providing strong evidence of a thirst to engage with literature and ideas beyond the sound bite,” she said.

Over the last five days the Festival has presented 22 international writers and more than 100 New Zealanders in diverse sessions including readings, conversations, debates, lectures, live drawing, music and film, poetry performance and play reading.

“There’s been laughter and tears, high energy and quiet thoughtfulness, delight, wonder and provocation,” said Artistic Director Anne O’Brien. “We couldn’t have asked for better writers or audiences and we leave the venues with a great sense of achievement.”

Sessions with particularly high attendance included Dame Stella Rimington, who spoke in front of an audience of 1000 on Saturday afternoon, Irish writer Roddy Doyle, cosmologist Lawrence Krauss, Pulitzer Prize-winner Jeffrey Eugenides, New Zealand comedian Rhys Darby, and national icon Maurice Gee.

The Festival’s bookshop, managed by a partnership of Unity Books and The Women’s Bookstore, is also anticipating a record year for sales with a number of titles selling out.

The Auckland Writers & Readers Festival is a major undertaking delivered by a small core staff and an army of volunteers. It takes place in May each year with planning for the 2013 event, confirmed for 15-19 May, already underway.

For further information please contact:

Anne Rodda | General Manager | Auckland Writers & Readers Festival 9-13 May 2012

Ph: 09 376 8074| Mob: 021 434-442 | E: arodda@writersfestival.co.nz

NZSA Youth Mentorship Winners Announced

Mon, 14 May 2012 12:29:52 +1200

Three lucky secondary school students are to work with three of New Zealand’s best professional authors in order to hone their writing skills and develop their craft.

The 2012 recipients are Ashlee-Ann Sneller of Kaitaia, Indiana Rose of Gore, Verity Johnson of West Auckland. Indiana is developing a novel, Ashlee-Ann’s focus is a poetry collection while Verity’s focus is non-fiction writing which she hopes will one day lead to a series of radio programmes.

The NZSA Youth Mentoring Programme is offered to three secondary school students (15-18) every year nationally and the mentorships are hotly contested.

Selection panel convenor, author Tina Shaw, said the selection process was very difficult this year because the quality of applications was so high.

“The panel really struggled to choose the winners and runners up as there were so many outstanding applications. We really were impressed and would encourage many of the applicants to apply again next year.”

The Youth Mentorships are offered by the NZSA every year with the intent of fostering and developing emerging writing talent with the support of established authors. The NZSA has run a highly successful mentoring programme for writers since 1999 and it is sponsored by Creative New Zealand.

For further information: National Office: PO Box 7701, Wellesley Street, Auckland 1141 Tel: (09) 379 4801 Fax: (09) 379 4802 Email: programmes@nzauthors.org.nz

Nominations called for Creative New Zealand Arts Pasifika Awards 2012

Fri, 18 May 2012 12:19:46 +1200

Nominations for the Creative New Zealand Arts Pasifika Awards 2012 are now open. The five awards celebrate excellence and innovation in Pacific arts in New Zealand.

The annual awards offer the public a chance to acknowledge artists who best characterise the richness and diversity of high-quality Pacific art in this country. Artists can be emerging or established, and practice either heritage or contemporary artforms.

Established in 1996, this year sees a change in nomination criteria to ensure even more quality Pacific artists have the chance to be honoured. The Iosefa Enari Memorial Award is now open to Pacific musicians or composers from all classical genres and career stages, as well as opera singers. For the first time artists who would like to nominate themselves are able to do so.

The Creative New Zealand Arts Pasifika Awards 2012 are:

Senior Pacific Artist's Award ($10,000) recognises the contribution of a senior established Pacific artist in maintaining or developing their artform in New Zealand.
Pacific Heritage Arts Award ($5000) recognises an artist who has made a major contribution to maintaining, reviving or promoting a Pacific heritage artform in New Zealand. This may include language, dance, traditional music, weaving or tatau.
Pacific Contemporary Arts Award ($5000) recognises an artist who has demonstrated innovation within their artform. Artists must have a track record and have achieved in their chosen field. Recognition will be given to those who work in a unique artform, or those who continually push the boundaries of their practice.
Iosefa Enari Memorial Award ($4000) recognises the contribution of the late Iosefa Enari to the arts, in particular his pioneering role in Pacific opera. This award supports the career development of an individual Pacific singer, musician or composer across all classical genres and career stages.
Emerging Pacific Artists’ Award ($4000) recognises an emerging artist showing promise and potential in their chosen art form. The purpose of this award is to recognise achievement at this developmental stage ensuring that the artist will develop their career in their chosen field.

The closing date for nominations is 5pm, Friday 22 June 2012. Nomination guidelines and forms can be downloaded directly from the Creative New Zealand website or by searching 'Browse by Artform', 'Pacific Arts'.

An awards ceremony will be held on 14 November 2012 in Wellington.

The recipients of the Creative New Zealand Arts Pasifika Awards 2011 were:

Emerging Pacific Artist’s Award to Tongan visual artist Kulimoe'anga Stone Maka
Iosefa Enari Memorial Award to Samoan soprano Marlena Devoe
Pacific Heritage Arts Award to master weaver Kalameli Ihaia-Alefosio
Contemporary Pacific Artist’s Award to visual artist Janet Lilo
Senior Pacific Artist’s Award to performing artist Annie Crummer.

For information about nominations and the awards please contact:

Makerita Urale

Senior Adviser, Pacific Arts

04 498 0729

makerita.urale@creativenz.govt.nz

Randell Cottage celebrates 10 years of writer residencies

Thu, 10 May 2012 10:22:30 +1200

The Creative New Zealand Randell Cottage Writers Trust celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, with several special events.

Since 2002, the historic Randell Cottage in Thorndon, Wellington, has been home to 20 writers in residence - 10 from France and 10 from New Zealand. Each writer has spent six months living and writing in the Cottage supported by the Trust, which works in partnership with Creative New Zealand, the Embassy of France, and the New Zealand-France Friendship Fund.

The Trust hopes as many of the writers as possible will join in the 10th anniversary events. “We want to celebrate what each writer has brought to the cottage and what they’ve taken away, including their books – a number in translation – and their literary successes,” says Trustee Fiona Kidman. “And we want to celebrate the residency, and the cottage itself – all those words it played host to, all those writers it held in its hands.”

The celebrations begin on Tuesday 12 June at 7pm with the AGM of the Friends of Randell Cottage at the cottage, 14 St Mary Street. Thorndon. On Tuesday 26 June, Wellington writer Beverley Randell, whose family donated the cottage to the Trust, will give two talks there on its history and preservation. Archive books and historical objects from the 1800s found under the cottage will be on display. The first talk will be from 4.30-6.00 pm and the second from 6.30-8.00 pm. All welcome. Entry is free, although a koha toward cottage maintenance would be welcome. Email info@randellcottage.co.nz to attend.

The festivities will continue over three days in October, starting with a special event on 4 October at the Wai-te-Ata Press to mark both the Trust’s 10th anniversary and the 50th anniversary of the Press. Hosted by Randell Cottage Writers Trust, the French Embassy and Wai-te-Ata Press, the reception will include the launch of Gnossienne, a limited edition poetry collection by former Randell writer Pat White, with artwork by Catherine Day, printed by Wai-te-Ata.

Public readings by Randell Cottage writers in residence will be held at the Wai-te-Ata Press on Friday 5 October. On Saturday 6 October, the annual Randell Cottage Open Day will be held from 11 am - 4 pm, followed by a garden party at the cottage.

This year’s New Zealand writer in residence, the 21st author to live and work in the cottage, is poet, novelist and script writer Vivienne Plumb, who arrives in July. French author, Florence Cadier, has just returned to France after a successful summer in the cottage, where she finished the manuscript for a young adult novel set in New Zealand.

For more information on the history of the cottage and the residency, go to www.randellcottage.co.nz

Randell Cottage Writers 2002-2012: Vivienne Plumb 2012; Florence Cadier 2011; Peter Walker 2011; Yann Apperry 2010; Pat White 2010; Fariba Hachtroudi 2009; Kirsty Gunn 2009; Olivier Bleys 2008; Jennifer Compton 2008; Nicolas Kurtovitch 2007; Whiti Hereaka 2007; Annie Saumont 2006; Beryl Fletcher 2006; Dominique Mainard 2005; Renée 2005; Pierre Furlan 2004; Michael Harlow 2004; Charles Juliet 2003; Tim Corballis 2003; Nadine Ribault 2002; Peter Wells 2002.

Pacific city inspires new exhibition at Auckland Art Gallery

Thu, 10 May 2012 09:44:37 +1200

The first major group exhibition of contemporary Pacific art developed by Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki will open on Saturday, 7 July. Home AKL is a dynamic exhibition presenting works by Pacific artists, most of whom live in Auckland.

Home AKL reveals the increasingly significant role Pacific art plays in New Zealand’s identity and cultural landscape, and includes work by more than 20 artists whose heritage derives from the Cook Islands, Fiji, Kiribati, Niue, Samoa,Tonga and Tuvalu.

"New Zealand’s contemporary Pacific art reflects many distinctive voices, stories and perspectives – it’s urban, biographical and affected by its grass-roots community," says the Gallery’s Senior Curator, New Zealand and Pacific Art, Ron Brownson.

"Home AKL is a unique exhibition presenting work by both contemporary and heritage Pacific artists. Heritage artists use traditional techniques and media while often incorporating modern materials in their work."

Artwork by three generations of Pacific artists shows how these practitioners use personal experience to examine concepts of "home" and belonging. A range of media, including painting, sculpture, photography, video and adornment has been selected.

Alongside artwork from the Gallery’s collection and loans, Home AKL will feature 13 new commissions.Artworks include those by prominent Pacific artists – Lonnie Hutchinson, Ioane Ioane, Shigeyuki Kihara, Andy Leleisi’uao, Paul Tangata and Teuane Tibbo – and emerging talents such as Leilani Kake, Janet Lilo and Siliga David Setoga. There are also five heritage fine art collectives from Fiji, Kiribati, Niue, Samoa, Tonga and Tuvalu.

"It is impossible to consider New Zealand art today without taking account of the influence of the Pacific," says Home AKL Associate Curator ,Ema Tavola of Fresh Gallery, Otara.

Home AKL’s opening day will be celebrated with free entry to the exhibition, music and performances. A family-friendly Big Day Art will also be held with art workshops inspired by the exhibition. Over the course of Home AKL, the exhibition’s supporting visitor programme will include free artist talks, film screenings and a seminar.

The exhibition is generously supported by Creative New Zealand and art patrons Rose Dunn and the Friedlander Foundation.

For more information please contact:
Tae Allison
Communications Coordinator
Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki
P +64 9 307 7706
M +64 27 291 9953
E tae.allison@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz

Samoa-New Zealand artistic exchange to celebrate Samoan Independence 2012

Thu, 10 May 2012 09:39:58 +1200

Seven Samoan artists will visit New Zealand for a week in June as part of a cultural exchange celebrating Samoa’s 50^th anniversary of independence and the close ties between Samoa, New Zealand and their peoples.

Creative New Zealand, together with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa, Auckland Museum and Mangere Arts Centre - Ngā Tohu o Uenuku will mark Samoa’s Golden Jubilee with a programme of public demonstrations and workshops.

In 1962 Western Samoa became independent of New Zealand after a period of trusteeship from 1919. At this time they signed a Treaty of Friendship which underpins today’s official relationship.

Samoan Independence Day is celebrated on 1 June every year in Samoa, and among the New Zealand Samoan community of more than 130,000 people.

The visiting Samoan artists specialise in heritage arts and will participate in a week of activities in Auckland and Wellington.

Auckland Mayor Len Brown will welcome the artists at a pōwhiri at Mangere Arts Centre on Saturday 9 June 2012. Auckland Museum, Mangere Arts Centre and Te Papa will each run their own public programme. Members of the Samoa artist delegation will also visit 50^th anniversary activities at Victoria University Library in Wellington.

“This exchange recognises the history of Samoa and New Zealand’s relationship, supports the future of Pacific heritage arts in New Zealand, and brings together Pasifika and Māori artists who share so much common ground. It’s a great way for us all to celebrate together,” says Creative New Zealand Chief Executive Stephen Wainwright.

The artists include tattooist Paul Junior Sulu’ape, son of master tattooist Sulu’ape Petelofrom the legendary tatau family Sulu’ape, supported by assistant Heperona Seiuli; two ‘ie toga (fine mat) weavers, ‘Auomala Folasa-Solo andSavelina Afa’ese from Savai’i; two master carvers, Suimatua Kiripele Umu Alaia who is also a matai and expert orator and Felise Ioane who has many years of expertise in sennit making. Sennit is a type of woven cord used in architecture, boat building, fishing and as decoration throughout the Pacific.

The group will be led by Galumalemana Steven Percival, a matai and video maker, who will act as interpreter and liaison for the artists, many of whom have not travelled outside of Samoa. Galumalemana, an independent filmmaker, has produced a number of films capturing Samoa's cultural heritage and is the founder of the Tiapapata Art Centre which was established to promote traditional and contemporary Samoan arts and crafts.

Highlights of the artists’ time in New Zealand include a Samoa ‘Ava ceremony at Auckland Museum, a pōwhiri at Mangere Arts Centre and the artists’ involvement during Te Papa’s Matariki Festival. It is hoped the cultural exchange will give New Zealand communities access to expert Pacific arts practitioners and that positive relationships will be formed, strengthened and advanced.

ENDS

APO Counts Bars and Beats for NZ Music Month

Wed, 09 May 2012 11:18:05 +1200

Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra brings New Zealand Music Month to a dynamic close with a concert that unites the worlds of orchestral music and hip-hop.

The 31 May concert, dubbed ‘Remix the Orchestra: Full Orchestra Meets Hip-Hop’, is the culmination of five years of collaboration between the APO and leading hip-hop musicians who have worked together to mentor young artists, and who now appear together on one stage for the first time.

Joining the orchestra for the Auckland Town Hall concert are several of New Zealand’s leading hip-hop acts: Tyree (Smashproof), Frisko (aka Alphrisk, Deceptikonz) and hip-hop legend Ermehn (OMC, etc), one of the most respected artists on the local urban music scene. The three each perform a track from their impressive catalogues.

Spinning decks throughout is DJCXL (Ill Semantics), a former NZ DMC Champion whose new album Represent recently spent time in the national top 40 and reached as high as #4 on the NZ artists’ album chart.

Leading proceedings from the podium is the respected conductor, composer and music educator Kenneth Young. Mr Young also arranged the orchestral scores, and in the past has played a prominent mentoring role in the Remix programme.

To complement the guest artists, five senior APO musicians take roles as soloists: Miranda Adams (Assistant Concertmaster), Brent Grapes (Principal Trumpet), Ingrid Hagan (Principal Bassoon), Annabella Leslie (Associate Principal Bass) and Eric Renick (Principal Percussion).

It’s not the first time members of the APO have performed with hip-hop artists. The orchestra has been running week-long Remix workshops for some years, pairing talented young urban musicians and at-risk youth with mentors from the orchestra and the hip-hop world. The workshops have resulted in several CDs, and as well as established hip-hop stars, the Town Hall concert showcases some of the leading music and musicians from earlier Remix projects.

“We wanted to celebrate the fifth year of our Remix programme with something different,” explains APO Chief Executive Barbara Glaser. “Previously we’ve had small groups of APO musicians working with rappers at Otara Music Arts Centre [OMAC]. This time the urban musicians are backed by a full symphony orchestra playing on the Auckland Town Hall main stage. Nothing like this has ever been done in New Zealand on this scale.”

The concert reaches beyond music, featuring dancers and graffiti crew FDKNS. The latter will create their art on tablet computers, with the work being projected on to screens.

“Remix the Orchestra is as much a cultural collaboration as a musical one,” says the concert’s music director, Anonymouz (Matthew Faiumu Salapu), a classically trained hip-hop producer who has been involved with Remix since it began.

“Hip-hop and classical have obvious differences, not just musically but also in terms of things like dress and concert protocols. Hip-hop audiences are part of the performance; there’s often a call and response between artist and crowd. Orchestral audiences show their appreciation by listening intently and clapping at the end. This concert aims to bridge those sorts of gaps.”

“Sometimes we focus too much on differences,” adds Ms Glaser. “What’s great about this concert is that it brings people together to celebrate something we know for sure they all have in common: a love of music.”

WHO: Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra with special guests DJCXL, Tyree, Frisko, Ermehn and conductor/composer Kenneth Young.

WHAT: Remix the Orchestra: Full Orchestra Meets Hip-Hop

WHERE: Auckland Town Hall

WHEN: 8pm, Thursday 31 May

TICKETS: $20/$30, www.buytickets.co.nz, (09) 357 3355

Quick Facts

- Anonymouz is a member of urban music collective The Hypnotics, whose new album, Give it Time, is available now. Members of The Hypnotics also appear at Remix on 31 May

- Anonymouz will also perform a track from his forthcoming solo EP, featuring JEM from The Hypnotics

- Mike Taii, aka Laybaq, also performs at Remix. He is the first recipient of an APO Remix scholarship, and released his debut EP, Loungin’, in March 2012. It can be downloaded free of charge from the Anonymouz website: www.anonymouz.co.nz

New Zealand songwriters scoop US Awards

Thu, 10 May 2012 09:40:31 +1200

New Zealand songwriters have scooped the prizes at the US International Songwriting Competition (ISC), the world's foremost global songwriting event, this week.

The ISC's Grand Prize for 2011 was awarded to New Zealand artist Kimbra for her song Cameo Lover, entered in the Pop/Top 40 category.

Kimbra is the third New Zealander to win the overall Grand Prize, which ties New Zealand with America for the most ISC Grand Prize award-winning artists: Moana Maniapoto was the recipient in 2003 and Gin Wigmore in 2004. The Grand Prize winner takes home $US25,000 and an additional $25,000 in merchandise and services.

Out of more than 16,000 international entries, New Zealand artists Annah Mac, Ruby Frost, and Massad were awarded first, second, and third place in their respective categories. Many other New Zealand artists also received honorable mentions in the competition.

Called “the songwriting competition to take note of,” by the New York Times, ISC was established in 2002 and awards more than $150,000 in cash and prizes to amateur and professional songwriters around the globe. Winners were selected from over 16,000 songs submitted from 112 countries worldwide.

Judges included Tom Waits, Jeff Beck, McCoy Tyner, Kelly Clarkson, Janelle Monae, Ozzy Osbourne, Lucinda Williams and Tori Amos. The roster of judges also included five record label presidents as well as other industry leaders.

Founder and Director of ISC, Candace Avery, says of Kimbra: “As an artist, she brings her songs to life with her unique vocal styling and compelling stage presence. We are proud to have her as our 2011 Grand Prize winner.”

Many other New Zealand songwriters won their respective categories in ISC 2011. They include: First Place Winner, Adult Album Alternative (AAA), Anna Heiberg MacDonald (Annah Mac); Second Place Winner, World Music, Opetaia Foa'i (Te Vaka); Third Place Winner, Pop/Top 40, Jane de Jong (Ruby Frost).

Honorable mentions went to Free Amy McFarlane, Brent McFarlane (Reckless Mack); The Singing Bush, Eddie Rayner (RBR) and Forget About Me, Massad Barakat-Devine (Massad).

For a complete list of all 2011 ISC winners and to hear the winning songs, go to http://www.songwritingcompetition.com/winners

Māori weaver selected for North American artist residency

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 11:48:08 +1200

The artist selected for the 2012 Toi Sgwigwialtxw (pronounced: sgweg-voi-out) Residency in North America weaves exquisitely detailed poi, as well as bold, striking kākahu (clothing). He is also a man working in what is currently, a largely female world.

The Toi Sgwigwialtxw Residency is a biennialexchange between Creative New Zealand through Te Waka Toi, and the Longhouse Education and Cultural Centre in Washington State. Sgwigwialtxw means ‘house of welcome’ in the language of South Puget Sound Salish. Previous recipients of the residency include Dr Takirirangi Smith (2007), June Northcroft Grant (2008) and Henare and Tawera Tahuri (2010).

From next week senior weaver, carver and performer Karl Leonard (Ngāti Rangiwewehi, Ngāti Ngararanui, Ngāti Pahipoto, Ngāti Raukawa) will spend six weeks at Evergreen State College. He will collaborate with Native American and Alaska Native artists from the Pacific Northwest and be based at the College’s recently opened Northwest Native Woodcarving studio, which is also used for weaving.

“Words cannot describe how excited and fortunate I feel,” says Rotorua based Karl. “I look forward to exploring any shared techniques, designs and traditions we may have with First Nations artists and breaking ground in my own work, through exposure to new indigenous ideas.”

It was Karl’s grandmother Ranginui Parewahawaha Leonard, who still wove at age 100, that inspired his passion for weaving. Karl also grew up watching his father and Uncle Pakake Leonard carve, and studied the art under another accomplished Uncle, Kaka Niao. In 1986 Karl began in Māori performing arts and is now a composer, choreographer, regional kapa leader and national judge. He is also passionate about the art of language and holds a Masters of Te Reo Māori.

In 2011 Karl became the first male elected to the committee of Te Roopu Raranga Whatu o Aotearoa (the national Māori weavers’ collective).

“Male or female is not an issue for me. The issue is the future of weaving and its sustainability as an innovative artform and cultural icon.”

The Toi Sgwigwialtxw Residency is open to established Māori artists who have demonstrated excellence in visual arts, are culturally proficient ambassadors and able to establish networks with the First Nations peoples of North America.

ENDS

For media enquiries:

Pirimia Burger

Communications Advisor, Maori and Pacific

04 498 0727

pirimia.burger@creativenz.govt.nz

New Zealand Post Children's Book Awards

Thu, 10 May 2012 09:41:39 +1200

Voting for the Children’s Choice Award winner in this year’s New Zealand Post Children’s Book Awards closes 5pm this Friday, 27 April. Children can make their selection from the Award’s 20 finalists and they could win $1,000 worth of books for their school library, simply by voting.

They will be choosing their favourite across all categories: picture books, junior and senior fiction and non-fiction. Celebrated writer’s books including Jack Lasenby’s Calling the Gods and Barbara Else’s The Travelling Restaurant compete against newcomers such as Catherine Foreman’s The Cat’s Pyjamas and Chris Grosz’s Kimble Bent: Malcontent.

Considered by children’s authors to be one of the highest accolades they can receive in New Zealand for their writing, the Children’s Choice Award attracts up to 35,000 voters each year.

Students can exercise vote online at www.nzpostbookawards.co.nz where they’ll also find a full list of finalists or by picking up a voting card from their school, library or local bookshop.

Past winners of the award include Craig Smith and Katz Cowley’s Wonkey Donkey and Mark and Rowan Sommerset’s Baa Baa Smart Sheep.

The winner of the Children’s Choice Award will be announced at the New Zealand Post Book Awards ceremony at the Amora Hotel in Wellington on Wednesday 16 May.

While the votes are being counted, many of the New Zealand Post Book Award finalists take to the road from Monday 7 May, participating in a nationwide festival of children’s books and literature. They will be visiting schools and libraries around the country in the lead up to the awards ceremony on Wednesday 16 May. A full schedule of events will be available on www.nzpostbookawards.co.nz from late-April.

DANZ announces new board

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 14:45:41 +1200

With its inclusion in Creative New Zealand's Toi Totara Haemata leadership programme earlier this year, DANZ is entering a new phase in serving the New Zealand dance community. Following a strategic review, the DANZ constitution was updated to create a smaller, more streamlined Board with a focus on governance for a service organisation.

The new DANZ Board was elected at the AGM held on Saturday 21 April and comprises seven highly respected professionals who bring with them a diverse range of experience and interest in the dance industry, together with a broad range of skills in governance and management in the arts sector.

“These are exciting times ahead and while DANZ has been extremely well served by the Board members over the past 20 years it is a time to welcome new blood and fresh ideas to support a strong and vibrant dance service organisation,” says retiring Chairman, Graham Atkinson.

The new Board, who will serve a three-year term, is:

Beverley Edlin brings to the DANZ Board a wide interest in the arts and extensive governance experience. She holds a Doctorate in Business Administration, having written her thesis on 'Corporate Governance'. She has been with Valeo International Limited and Boardroom 360 since 2006 and conducts the Company's Leadership and Governance consultancy and training courses with Massey University, IoD, NZICA and the Chamber of Commerce.

Karen Fraser Payne is a Board member and secretary of Touch Compass Dance Trust. She has been a former chair and is currently General Manager for Touch Compass and is also on the Board of Hohepa Auckland. Karen brings extensive skills and experience in leadership, management, communications and governance having worked for significant periods in corporate, government and charity sectors, specialising in communications and tourism.

Clare Needham has a keen interest in the arts with a particular passion for literature and dance. She is a lawyer with six years post qualification experience specialising in employment and intellectual property law, and currently works in law reform for the NZ Law Society. Her career includes work as a producer, publicist, and arts consultant. She is a managing editor of the literary magazine JAAM and a trustee of the Sleep/Wake Research Centre.

Moana Nepia is a Visual and Performing Arts practitioner, educator and researcher with governance experience on the Atamira and Orotokare Trust Boards, and brings to the DANZ Board a broad network of national and international arts-related experience and connections. He has taught at Unitec and AUT's Dance programmes - ballet and contemporary dance technique, choreography, dance history and contextual studies.

Gaylene Sciascia brings knowledge, experience and skills in dance and dance development in Aotearoa of over 50 years as a performer, choreographer, director, producer, educator and manager. She was the founder of Whitireia Performing Arts as part of Whitireia Community Polytechnic, and was instrumental in developing and embedding in the programme Performing Arts Management papers. Gaylene sees the arts as an essential part of the spiritual, physical and social wellbeing of our community.

Bronwyn Tweddle is a Senior Lecturer in Theatre at Victoria University of Wellington and Part 1 co-ordinator of the Master of Theatre Arts in Directing, which is co-taught with Toi Whakaari: New Zealand Drama School. She has served on numerous panels, committees and festival juries for arts institutions and academic organisations and has been an Executive Board Member for Playmarket since 2002. Bronwyn has extensive practical arts experience in an adjacent field (theatre) as a practitioner, administrator and teacher, and brings an international perspective and connections to a diverse range of artists, curators, cultural institutions and organisations to the DANZ Board.

Perry Walker has an extensive and wide-ranging interest in the arts, having been involved in fostering artistic endeavour both at amateur and professional levels. He is a Communications Consultant, Director for Bats Theatre and Advisory Trustee for Asian Events Trust, and was Trustee/Chairman for Arts Wellington from 2002-2008. Perry brings to the DANZ Board a desire to promote creativity and cultural wellbeing to the communities he lives in, together with a wide range of experience and skills at executive and governance levels.

DANZ is delighted to welcome our new Board and looks forward to continued growth and service to dance.

Artist in Residence opportunity at National University of Samoa 2012

Tue, 24 Apr 2012 10:09:31 +1200

Creative New Zealand, in partnership with the National University of Samoa, is offering a three month artist residency in Apia, Samoa for 2012.

The residency runs from August until October. It is open to established Pacific Island artists who are resident in New Zealand.

50th Anniversary of Samoa Independence and Treaty of Friendship with New Zealand

This year (2012) marks the 50th anniversary of Samoan Independence and the Treaty of Friendship between New Zealand and Samoa. To acknowledge these events, Creative New Zealand is particularly interested in projects that have a theme which aligns with the anniversary celebrations and New Zealand-Samoa relationships.

It is important for applicants to be aware that material resources and technology available in New Zealand, are comparatively limited in the Pacific. Applicants are encourgaed to take this into account as they plan their project proposals.

Previous recipients

The 2011 recipient was Auckland-based installation artist Tiffany Singh. Tiffany worked with local communities to rejuvenate an overgrown Peace Garden on the grounds of the university. After the garden was refreshed with sculpture, handmade prayer flags and donated plants, it was opened to the public with live music and performance.

“This was a journey that revived my sense of spirit. It not only fuelled my creative process but made me more complete as a person. For that I am eternally grateful,” said Tiffany.

During her residency, Tiffany also spent time at the Tiapapata Art Centreon Mt Fiamoe where she created work which reflected her experience in Samoa, Itu Papa Itu Lagi ; Part Rock Part Heaven.

Other previous recipients include actor and director Nathaniel Lees, playwright Fiona Collins and the late curator Jim Vivieaere.

Residency support

Creative New Zealand will offer the selected artist financial support by way of:

a total stipend of NZ$10,000 for three months
up to NZ$2,000 towards travel costs; including one return airfare - New Zealand to Apia, Samoa (as well as internal New Zealand flights as required) and insurance
up to NZ$3000 (being no more than NZ$1,000 per month for three months) towards the costs of rental accommodation in Samoa for the resident.

The closing date for applications is 5.00pm Monday 21 May 2012.

The 2012 Creative New Zealand/National University of Samoa artist in residence will be announced by 30 June 2012.

For information about how to apply for this residency, see the Creative New Zealand website.

ENDS

Enquiries

For more information about the residency please contact:

Makerita Urale

Senior Arts Adviser – Pacific Arts

makerita.urale@creativenz.govt.nz

04 498 0729

For media enquiries please contact:

Pirimia Burger

Communications Advisor (Māori and Pacific)

04 498 0727

pirimia.burger@creativenz.govt.nz

Blair French announced as 7th SCAPE Curator

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 09:45:14 +1200

Executive Director of Sydney's Artspace Visual Arts Centre, Blair French has been appointed as curator of the 7th SCAPE Christchurch Biennial of Art in Public Space to be held in September 2013.

Born in the Cook Islands, he grew up in New Zealand and is a graduate of the University of Canterbury. Blair has been based in Sydney since the mid-1990s working as a curator, writer and teacher across a range of practices in art from the late-1960s through to the present.

French was convenor of the curatorial group for the earthquake-beleaguered 6th SCAPE and has agreed to return in a similar role for the 7th SCAPE.

“I am delighted to have been offered the opportunity to curate 7^thSCAPE and in so doing continue work with the Art & Industry Trust, its partners and the Christchurch arts community. It is a wonderful opportunity, a significant challenge and a great responsibility. As is the case across all aspects of life and work in Christchurch, we obviously face a unique situation and set of challenges in developing public art projects in the uncertain and changing post-earthquakes environment. But with these challenges come extraordinary opportunities to reconsider the way in which public art can contribute to processes of community rebuilding and urban development, and to demonstrate it’s important to the vitality of civic life,” he said.

His reappointment to the role will bring a continuity of curatorial process from the work he has undertaken over the past two and a half years in Christchurch. His knowledge of the SCAPE model has also enabled him to suggest amendments to the curatorial process, and for 7th SCAPE he will be working with a newly appointed International Curatorial Advisors Group and a Christchurch Reference Group who will act as concept sounding boards and provide specialist advice.

Deborah McCormick, Director of SCAPE and the Art & Industry Trust says, “we are delighted at the level of consultation that Blair has recommended for 7th SCAPE. The Trust’s vision is for Christchurch people to be excited, engaged and stimulated by highly regarded contemporary public art, and to aid us in delivering this vision, the Christchurch Reference Group from the resident art community has been convened”.

Confirmed members of the Christchurch Reference Group include Tony de Lautour (Artist), Coralie Winn (Gap Filler), John Chrisstoffels (Filmmaker and senior lecturer in Fine Arts at the University of Canterbury), Stephen Cleland (Director of The Physics Room), Lara Strongman (Independent curator and writer), Dr Jacky Bowring (Associate Professor of Landscape Architecture and Head of School at Lincoln University’s School of Landscape Architecture). The appointment of an International Curatorial Advisors group is currently underway.

While French will work closely with the two advisory groups, he comes to SCAPE with an impressive and full curriculum vitae. He has curated a range of exhibitions in Australia and New Zealand, has published widely including a book of his texts, Out of Time: Essays Between Photography and Art (2006) and two books on photography in Australia. He has worked in public galleries in Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom and taught at the Universities of New South Wales, Waikato and Western Sydney. He holds a PhD from the University of Sydney, was President of CAOs (Contemporary Arts Organisations Australia) 2006-2009, and is currently an external member of the Academic Board of Sydney College of the Arts, University of Sydney.

French is in Christchurch on 23rd and 24th April to take part in the SCAPE Public Art Development Workshop and to Chair the panel discussion The River of Arts: creating new ways for The Arts to work in Christchurch’s public spaces.

For more information and high resolution imagery contact:

Deborah McCormick, Director

Tel: +64 (0)3 365 7990, Mobile: +64 (0)27 280 9557, Email: deborah@scapebiennial.org.nz

Opera in Paradise anyone? Gifted voices, lush gardens, cool island breeze...

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 13:47:41 +1200

You are invited to an intimate and distinguished event creating a fine union of true Cook Islands atmosphere and style, Opera in Paradise Cook Islands.

2012 sees New Zealand's finest sopranos, Mere Boynton and Deborah Kapohe taking the stage at Crown Beach Resort and Spa’s Oceans restaurant where Motone Productions and the Crown Beach team will transform the venue into a performance setting framed with lush tropical gardens and a turquoise lagoon at sunset. Your Opera house for the evening promises fine cuisine and stunning Opera performance.

Talented sopranos Mere and Deborah have toured internationally and performed on a variety of stages including the Royal Albert Hall in London, ‘Opera in the Pa’ Rotorua, Te Papa- New Zealand’s National Museum and more recently the New Zealand Rugby World Cup stage.

Both Mere and Deborah have careers that celebrate their many skills. Mere is well known for her supporting roles in the acclaimed New Zealand Films “ Once Were Warriors” and “ The Maori Merchant of Venice”. Mere has collaborated with leading New Zealand percussionist and composer Gareth Farr and is well respected for her ability to cross genres from Opera to light Jazz always including her love for waiata Maori. Having performed throughout New Zealand and Europe Mere brings a confidence and skill to Opera in Paradise Cook Islands that will surprise and delight.

Deborah has most recently performed in the critically acclaimed “Hohepa” presented at the 2012 New Zealand Festival of the Arts by the NBR New Zealand Opera. She has worked in Australia, China, South Africa and the UK and has an Opera performance resume that includes the traditional favourites of Carmen, The Pearl Fishers, The Marriage of Figaro, La Boheme, The Magic Flute to name a few. To add to that Deborah has been requested to perform for touring royalty to New Zealand and performed at the both the Beijing and Sydney Olympics Arts festivals. With her wealth of experience Deborah’s performance will leave you applauding for more.

Opera in Paradise Cook Islands takes place May 25-26 2012. For more information about the show and how to buy tickets, contact VIBE PACIFIC – Hiria Rae 0274521521.

For those in the Cook Islands, contact Glenda Tuaine email glenda@motone.biz +682 21077

Tawata Productions' World premiere season of new work, "Sunset Road"

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 10:07:10 +1200

Sunset Road is the much anticipated stage play from controversial New Zealand born Cook Islands playwright, Miria George.

Miria’s plays include the provocative and what remains, boutique musical He Reo Aroha (co-written with Jamie McCaskill), and the gritty Urban Hymns, which have been performed in international festivals around the world including the United Kingdom, Hawai’i, Australia and Canada to much acclaim.

Sunset Road is Miria’s first stageplay since the unflinching Urban Hymns in 2009. Her focus recently has been producing theatre, with works including the multi award winning I, George Nepia in 2011 and the epic Tu for the New Zealand International Arts Festival in 2012.

Miria’s journey from poet, to playwright to theatre producer now sees a welcome return to playwrighting with this coming of age drama. Schooled in New Zealand, the Cooks Islands and Costa Rica, Miria is the daughter of renown Cook Islands visual artist Ian George.

Sunset Road is Miria's first play focussing on her Cook Islands whakapapa. The world premiere season will be perfomred at Circa Theatre, 1 Taranaki Street, Wellington: June 20 – July 7, 2012.

Sunset Road is written and directed by Miria George and features design by Tony de Goldi (New Zealand International Arts Festival 2012 Hohepa), Ulli Briese (New Zealand International Arts Festival 2012 Tu), Karnan Saba (New Zealand International Arts Festival 2012 Tu) and Cook Islands dancer and choreographer Tai Paitai.

Sunset Road is a highlight event of Wellington’s Matariki Celebrations, which runs alongside Matariki Development Festival 2012, an international indigenous playwrights festival also at Circa Theatre.

For more information, high-res images and to arrange interviews, please contact:
Hone Kouka, Tawata Productions

021 128 9004

tawata@tawata.co.nz

Synopsis
Akarongo mai...
Summer, 1975. Rotorua, New Zealand.
Jimi Hendrix, motorbikes, ika mata and the dawn raids.

It’s two days before twins Luka and Lucia finally cross in to adulthood. Free, they roam the steam filled streets of Rotorua on Luka’s trusty Bonneville and dream of taking on the world. Luka desperate to escape, Lucia to become Miss Geyserland.

The twins work with their devout father at the local sawmill, uninspiring to them, for him where he has been since he first brought his family to this dry and broken land. A near death experience drags father back to memories of Atiu, Cook Islands and the secrets and mistakes of his past, shaking the family’s foundations and ultimate love of each other.

A coming of age. Sunset Road.

The Clark Collection/Creative New Zealand Scholarship Winner Announced

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 14:15:21 +1200

Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Christopher Finlayson has named Greg Donson as The Clark Collection/Creative New Zealand Scholar for 2012. Mr Finlayson said he was delighted to announce the 2012 Scholar as the Scholarship is a partnership which enhances New Zealand's body of expertise in the decorative arts and built heritage.

“The Clark Collection/Creative NZ Scholarship is the generous gift of Mr Errol Clark, a New Zealand financier, art connoisseur and heritage advocate,” said Mr Finlayson.

“Mr Clark’s support of The Clark Collection/Creative NZ Scholarship provides an opportunity for New Zealand professionals in the built heritage and decorative arts field to expand their knowledge through attending the prestigious Attingham Trust Summer School in England. The Scholarship also offers the recipients a number of short internships with organisations such as English Heritage, The National Trust, the Victoria & Albert Museum and The Royal Collection.”

“Creative New Zealand is providing significant support for the Scholarship as part of its grant programme towards professional development for arts practitioners. The Scholarship is facilitated and administered by Museums Aotearoa. This collaborative partnership makes such a comprehensive study programme possible.”

Greg Donson is Curator and Public Programmes Manager at the Sarjeant Gallery in Wanganui, where he is responsible for the development, implementation and management of the Gallery's exhibition programme. With a collection of over 5500 items spanning four centuries of European and New Zealand art, Greg is enthusiastic about bringing new insight back to his role at the Sarjeant Gallery as a result of the scholarship.

The Sarjeant Gallery opened in 1919. It has a Category 1 Historic Places Trust rating and is one of New Zealand's oldest purpose-built galleries, renowned for its neo-classical interiors and its nationally significant collection.

“With the support of Mr Clark, Creative New Zealand and Museums Aotearoa, this Scholarship is advancing the body of expertise on the decorative arts and built heritage in New Zealand,” said Mr Finlayson. “Now in its ninth year, previous Scholars are building on their Attingham experience, and making significant contributions in their fields.”

Recent recipients are Justine Olsen (2010), Decorative Arts Curator at Te Papa, Josephine Hughes (2009), Design Team Leader at Hawke's Bay Museum and Art Gallery, Priscilla Pitts (2008), General Manager Heritage Destinations at NZ Historic Places Trust, Claire Regnault (2007), then Concept Development Manager at The Dowse and now History Curator at Te Papa, and Robyn Notman (2006), Public Programmes Manager at Dunedin Public Art Gallery. In 2011 textile historian Annabel Westman, former Director of Studies at the Attingham Summer School, visited New Zealand at the invitation of Museums Aotearoa. Ms Westman shared her expertise through conference presentations and several very well-attended public lectures.