Published in: Kokiri Issue 7 - Hui Tanguru - Poutū Te Rangi 2008
Every year Creative New Zealand invites artists of Māori descent to apply for a two and a half month artist’s residency at Evergreen State College, Olympia, Washington.Offered by Te Waka Toi, the Māori Arts Board of Creative New Zealand, the Toi Sgwigwialtxw Residency is an opportunity for Māori artists to idea share and work with Native American artists.
Chair of Te Waka Toi Dr Ngahuia Te Awekotuku explains, “For the Toi Sgwigwialtxw Residency we are looking for artists who will maximise the opportunity, build networks, strengthen inter-cultural relationships and develop their artistic practice while being hosted and supported by the staff of the Longhouse Education and Cultural Centre at Evergreen State University.”
Rotorua artist June Grant (Te Arawa, Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Tūhourangi, Ngāti Wāhiao) has been selected to take up the residency in 2008.For June Grant, the announcement has come as a great honour.
“I am overwhelmed, honoured and delighted with being selected for the residency,” she says.
“Evergreen State College in Olympia, Washington has a magnificent campus built in a beautiful forest.I am taking many blank canvases both metaphorically and in reality, and I am open to seeing what might emerge artistically from this exciting opportunity.”
Dr Ngahuia Te Awekotuku praised June and her selection. “June is an excellent choice for this residency. She is an outstanding artist, has a wealth of experience as a gallery owner and is an active champion of Toi IhoTM, the Māori-made mark. She has a strong interest in the indigenous art of the Pacific Rim and will be a great ambassador for Aotearoa.”
June Grant will undertake the Toi Sgwigwialtxw Residency from April to June 2008. Applications for the 2009 residency close in November 2008.
For further information about the residency please contact Puawai Cairns (Tel: 04 498 0705 Email: puawai.cairns@creativenz.govt.nz