The biggest summer yet for artists in Rotorua

Te Manaia Jennings.

Six artists have been selected for the Open Studios Project residency.

The Open Studios Project is a summer arts residency run annually at The Arts Village which sees artists given space, time and resources to work, and the community given access to free/low-cost art-making.

This summer will see the biggest year ever with six artists awarded fully supported residencies.

The residency project takes place from December 11 to January 26, 2020, when artists will be at work onsite and running at least 12 hours each of free community programming including workshops, demonstrations, and arts talks.

The project has been running since 2011 and since that time has seen 38 artists participating.

The artists awarded a residency this year represent artists locally, nationally, and internationally; their artist practices include mixed media, performance arts, painting, illustration, storytelling, textiles, drawing, and dance:

  • Amanda Echevarria (Philippines)

  • Christine O'Donnell (Auckland)

  • Claire Delaney (Rotorua)

  • Gayle Heath (Rotorua)

  • Te Mania Jennings (Rotorua)

  • Virginia Kennard (Christchurch)

The Arts Village Director, Mary-Beth Acres, says the standard of applicants was extremely high this year and that there was a competitive shortlist:

'We were blown away by the really high standard of applicants this year. Our funders are so supportive and with their help we have been able to double the available spaces up to six this year which has made a big difference.

'Each artist is working on a really unique project and we are really looking forward to seeing what that means for the community who will have so many cool opportunities to take up. The community programming this year includes things we have never had in Open Studios Project before like character illustration, lamp sculpture, and making rag rugs from upcycled fabric."

Important Dates:

  • Opening Talks - Wednesday, December 11

  • Residency Period - December 13, 2019, to January 26, 2020

  • Closing Showcase - Thursday, January 24

The Open Studios Project 2019/2020 is made possible with funding support from Rotorua Energy Charitable Trust, Rotorua Lakes Council, Creative Communities Rotorua, and the Rotorua Arts Village Trust.

Each artist is awarded $2000 to support their living costs, $500 of materials, and six weeks of studio space, promotion, and support at The Arts Village.

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