New Zealand artists to set off on cultural residencies

IFACCA/Artshub, 23 August 2004,New Zealand

Two New Zealand artists will take up the first artist residencies in Asia to be offered by Creative New Zealand, in partnership with the Asia 2000 Foundation of New Zealand. Textile artist Kelly Thompson and visual artist Simon Kaan will take up three month residencies at the Sanskriti Foundation in New Delhi and at the Red Gate Gallery in Beijing respectively. Creative New Zealand will cover accommodation costs and provide $10,000 stipends while the artists are in residence. The Asia 2000 Foundation of New Zealand will meet the costs of the return airfares. For both artists, the residencies offer a sustained period of time to review their practice, be stimulated by new environments and build networks with other artists. 'The residency will give me time away from my teaching responsibilities to reflect on my twenty-year practice,' Thompson says. 'I’ve always been interested in textiles from diverse cultures, and I’m particularly excited about the opportunity to research and extend my understanding of handloom woven textiles in India.' 'My time spent in another culture will enable me to experiment with new ways of thinking and working. This will be reflected in the work that will result from the residency.' Thompson also met Mr O. P. Jain, the President of the Sanskriti Foundation, during his visit to New Zealand from 20 to 25 August. Mr Jain is a leading figure in India’s arts and culture. Last year, Simon Kaan travelled to China where he made contact with artists and art communities, including those at the Red Gate Gallery. 'I was the first of my family to return to China since my grandfather left more than one hundred years ago,' he says. 'My Chinese, Mäori and Pakeha heritage is an integral part of my life. Because my work deals primarily with my culture and environment, my new work will inevitably reflect the impact of my time in Beijing.' 'I’m sure the residency will provide me with an array of experiences that will feed into an interesting new body of work.' Alastair Carruthers, Chair of the Arts Board of Creative New Zealand, says the selected artists will be excellent ambassadors for New Zealand, responsive to their new environments and keen to make the most of the cultural and artistic opportunities. 'We welcome the support of the Asia 2000 Foundation as we explore opportunities for New Zealand artists to interact with Asian cultures and extend their practice, inspired by new and stimulating environments,' Mr Carruthers says. Christopher Butler, Executive Director of the Asia 2000 Foundation of New Zealand, says the Foundation was delighted to form a partnership with Creative New Zealand to support what are the first Creative New Zealand residencies available to New Zealand artists in the Asian region. 'We hope they’re the first of many,' he says. 'These residencies promote cultural understanding, which underpins New Zealand’s important relationships with the Asian region.' For further information, CLICK HERE.

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