The Residency and how to apply

The McCahon House Trust has built a new, award winning, purpose designed two bedroom accomodation and studio alongside the old McCahon House in French Bay, Titirangi from where an artist's residency is being run. The residency was designed by Pete Bossley Architects.

The Trust makes one call per year for applicants for a residency. The current call for artists closes Monday 9th August.

Residencies are based on a three month term but from time to time may be awarded for a longer period.
Preference will be given to outstanding emerging and mid career professional artists.
Current residency opportunities are available to New Zealanders or New Zealand residents only. At some point in the future it is anticipated that the opportunity will be opened to overseas artists working in a variety of disciplines.
The residency is open to practitioners in the disciplines of painting, photography (digital and traditional), mixed media, drawing and sculpture (note: the studio is not large and its geographical position makes access for large and/or bulky materials difficult). Currently excluded are: moving image, performance and sound.

During their residency artists have the use of the two bedroom house and studio, receive administrative support from the Trust's manager and are paid a stipend. When appropriate, Lopdell House Gallery will hold an exhibition at the conclusion of the residency.

AIMS

The McCahon House residency aims to give artists an opportunity to develop their work through a supportive programme while living in the environment that impacted so profoundly on the work of Colin McCahon.

SELECTION PROCESS

The selection panel comprises five people from a cross section of gallery directors, curators, critics, writers, academics, senior practitioners and collectors and will have one representative from the McCahon House Trust. The panel will operate independently of the Trust.

2011 Selection panel:

Jenny Smith (trustee representative)

Sue Gardiner

John Daly-Peoples

Erika Congreve

Jeff Thomson

One call for applications may result in more than one artist being selected for future residencies. The selection panel's decision will be final.

CONDITIONS OF AWARD

Residencies are open to outstanding artists who, in the opinion of the panel, meet the following criteria:

Are New Zealanders or New Zealand residents
Priority will be given to artist who at an emergent or mid career stage in their careers.
Have a sufficent body of work which clearly demonstrates a significant level of talent.
Would benefit from the opportunity to undertake the residency.
Have a history of exhibiting which has resulted in significant critical evaluation and acclaim.
Are able to reside and work full time at the McCahon House site during the term of the residency.

Other specific criteria may be set prior to each call for applications and will be promoted at the time of advertising the opportunity.

Future potential of artists will be a major factor in the panel's choice. The selectors must believe that the recipients of the residency have the potential to reach national and international standing and that the opportunity afforded by this residency will contribute to that potential.

Artists need not necessarily have attended a tertiary institution or had any formal training.

The residency does not require the artist to undertake specific teaching or exhibition obligations. However, these options will be available if they support the primary intention of the residency.

McCAHON RESIDENCY RECIPIENTS

Judy Millar (December 06 - February 07)
Andrew McLeod (March 07 - May 07)
James Robinson (July 07 - September 07)
Gavin Hipkins (December 07 - February 08)
Rohan Wealleans (March 08 - June 08)
Richard Lewer ( August 08 - November 08)
Luise Fong (December 08 - February 09)
Eve Armstrong (March 09 - May 09)
Lisa Reihana (June09 - September 09)
Ava Seymour (Nov 09 - February 2010)
Martin Basher (current resident)

We look forward to welcoming painter Andy Leleisi'uao and sculptor Jim Speers to French Bay later in 2010.