Artists invited to go wild for residency programme

When two musicians explore their creativity in the shadow of Mt Tarawera the result is an album of songs invigorated by the stunning scenery and the memories of one of New Zealand’s largest volcanic eruptions in 1886.

In 2010 Andy Hummel and Holly Jane Ewens of Wellington folk duo 'Rosy Tin Teacaddy' spent six weeks on the shores of Lake Tarawera as recipients of the Wild Creations artists in residence programme, a joint venture between the Department of Conservation and Creative New Zealand.

Their new full-length album ‘All Mountains Are Men’ was released with a blessing by local kaumätua at Lake Tarawera on June 10.

Hummel says, “For us, Wild Creations was a great opportunity to explore our creativity in a challenging environment. It provided the time and place to focus without the interruption of everyday life.”

New Zealand artists with a passion for New Zealand's unique environment are now invited to apply for one of three residencies on offer as part of the 2012 Wild Creations artists in residence programme.

“Wild Creations gives artists the opportunity to spend six weeks in some of the best wild, cultural and historical settings New Zealand has to offer.” says Wild Creations co-ordinator, Elena Sedouch. “During their residency stay, artists gain inspiration from their surroundings and through their artwork; they share what has inspired them with other people.”

Residency sites on offer in 2012 range from the unique historical buildings of central Otago, to the far north’s Cape Reinga and the nature reserve north of Wellington, Kāpiti Island.

“Wild Creations artists are helping people to better understand New Zealand’s heritage,” says Elena.

The closing date to apply for a Wild Creations residency for 2012 is 26 August 2011. See doc.govt.nz/wildcreations for more details and to access the application form.

Wild Creations is a joint venture between the Department of Conservation (DOC) and Creative New Zealand. DOC provides accommodation and on site support for the three winning artists and Creative New Zealand provides each artist with a $5000 stipend and a $2000 contribution towards travel and material costs.

For information contact:

Emma Hartley, Marketing and Communications Advisor, Department of Conservation, Ph +64 4 471 3182, ehartley@doc.govt.nz

Rosy Tin Teacaddy, Andy Hummel, Ph +64 21 1227 408, Holly Jane Ewens, +64 27 270 7090, earlgreyrecords@yahoo.co.nz