RECENT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Art Now: New Generation Artists Talk About Their Work

On Thursday, 11 September 2008, the Arts Foundation of New Zealand will tour to Taranaki with New Generation artists Warren Maxwell and Joe Sheehan for Art Now: New Generation Artists Talk About Their Work. The programme, presented for the first time in Dunedin in May 2008, enables these artists to present elements of their practice and reflect upon their creative processes. As Presenting Sponsors of Art Now and the New Generation Awards, Freemasons New Zealand has been invited by the Foundation to present on the masonic use of symbolism. This will serve as a frame for the artists' discussion of symbolism in their own work.

Arts Foundation of New Zealand's touring events illuminate the work of artists by providing the public an opportunity to learn about artistic processes. Audiences hear artists discuss their career and to enjoy examples of the artists' works through both performance and display. It is this focus that makes the talks engaging for both new audiences and those experienced in the arts. Previous events that feature Laureate Artists, such as Forsyth Barr Laureates On-Stage, have drawn audiences to follow the careers of featured artists, and have connected them to other artists celebrated by the Foundation.

Places are limited at these events; if you would like to attend, email your interest to admin@artsfoundation.org.nz

The Biennial Harriet Friedlander Residency

The residency is valued at $80,000, making it one of the most generous international residencies available to New Zealand artists. Established by dedicated supporter of the arts, the late Harriet Friedlander, the Harriet Friedlander Scholarship Trust will cover all residency costs.

Jason Friedlander, son of the late Mrs Friedlander, said his mother’s love for the arts, New York and its arts scene was life-long.  “Her vision was to allow an artist to immerse him or herself in the vibrant culture of New York without any expectations or responsibilities on the recipient. The residency will expose New Zealand artists to a different environment and assist in the artist’s development and provide new opportunities.”

Florian’s digital feature Woodenhead, a surreal musical fairytale, became a cult hit in New Zealand and screened at a range of leading international film festivals.  He has directed a number of films including Liebesträume 2000, Woodenhead 2003 and Kaikohe Demolition 2004. He has also developed a feature script Permissive Paradise at the Binger Filmlab in Amsterdam and recently completed the feature Rubbings from a Live Man, a documentary performed by and based on the life of Warwick Broadhead.  The documentary premiered at the New Zealand International Film Festival on Sunday, 20 July. http://www.nzff.telecom.co.nz/

The Arts Foundation has agreed to select recipients and manage the residency into the future. The length of the residency will be agreed with each recipient. Arts Foundation chair Ros Burdon said it was a privilege to help the Friedlander family realise Mrs Friedlander’s dream. “The residency is invaluable and something for New Zealand artists to aspire to. We encourage Florian to take full advantage of the opportunities that will be presented to him.”    Ros said Florian was a “resourceful, independent and original filmmaker who had experienced success at a young age and whose potential was tremendous”.

The Harriet Friedlander Residency is the Arts Foundation’s second partnership programme, following the establishment of the Marti Friedlander Photographic Award in 2007. Recipients of programmes produced in partnership with third parties are welcomed into the Foundation's family of celebrated artists. The Foundation can provide administration services, selection of recipients and management of endowments in partnership with third parties.. In all cases, projects can be perpetuated beyond the lifetimes of the founders