Porirua’s Pātaka Art + Museum, in partnership with Creative New Zealand, is seeking applications for the 2025 Aniva Artist in Residency programme, a unique opportunity for Aotearoa-based Pacific artists who identify as LGBTQIA+/MVPFAFF-.
The three-month paid residency provides a platform for artists to develop new work, with applications open from 7 February to 17 March.
South Auckland artist Moe Laga (she/they), the 2024 Creative New Zealand Pacific Aniva Artist in Residence, used her time at Pātaka to create Fetū/Fetu’u: The Stars/Curses, a performance piece reflecting on her identity as a Samoan Fa’fafine. The work will be featured at Wellington’s Performance Arcade live art event from 19-21 February.
Pātaka Director Ana Sciascia praised Moe’s work as “reflective, intimate, and intensely moving,” combining poetry, video, choreography, and music into a powerful performance. Moe said the residency allowed her to explore creative ideas she had long considered but had not yet developed.
Since its launch in 2021, the residency has supported artists such as Porirua-based Saviiey Aliiva’a Nua, the inaugural recipient. This year, Creative New Zealand is expanding the initiative, offering additional residencies at Govett-Brewster/Len Lye Centre and Puke Ariki Museum in New Plymouth.
Creative New Zealand’s Pacific Arts Manager, Ali Foa’i, highlighted the impact of the residency, noting that previous recipients have gone on to showcase their work at major venues, including Auckland Art Gallery.
For more details or to apply, visit Pātaka’s website.