Artist In Residence Opportunity Offered During World's Largest Climate Adaptation Event Being Hosted In NZ
Expressions of interest from Pacific artists are invited for the 2025 Artist in Residence programme based at the Macmillan Brown Centre for Pacific Studies at Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury (UC).
The three-month residency, funded by Creative New Zealand, includes an exciting chance to participate in a public exhibition that will be part of the world's largest international climate change adaptation event - Adaptation Futures 2025 (AF2025).
AF2025 co-convenor Distinguished Professor Steven Ratuva of the University of Canterbury said proposals are invited from Pacific artists whose work addresses climate change issues, such as the core themes for AF2025.
'This three-month residency is a fantastic opportunity for Pacific artists to enhance their existing practice, develop an innovative art project of significance, and contribute to the enrichment of Pacific art culture. They can also engage with other Pacific artists at the newly established Pacific Creative Hub at UC,' he said.
Adaptation Futures will be held in Ōtautahi Christchurch at Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre on 13-16 October. It is the flagship event of the United Nations World Adaptation Science Programme (WASP). It enables leading practitioners, policy makers, researchers, thought leaders and academics from across the globe to gather to collaborate and inspire urgent efforts to accelerate adaptation for a more resilient climate and fairer future.
This year's event, which has a particular focus on Indigenous and Pacific innovation and leadership in response to climate change, is co-hosted by WASP and UC. It is supported by New Zealand government agencies, national and international research organisations and businesses, and foundation sponsor The Adaptation Fund.
'The urgent need to scale up our global efforts to protect vulnerable communities, businesses, and environments from the impact of climate change, including Pacific Islands, is more pressing than ever,' AF2025 co-convenor Professor Bronwyn Hayward of the University of Canterbury said.
'With people from more than 90 countries coming to Christchurch for AF2025 this year, this residency provides a great platform for the development of a significant art project that contributes to the important climate change conversation.'
Applications must include an up-to-date CV covering artistic experience and expertise; a one-page proposal explaining what the artist intends to work on during the residency;
the key theme or idea of it; the rationale for the work; and the potential impact it could have.
Artists must send their application to holly.neave@canterbury.ac.nz by 15 June 2025.
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