FALE-SHIP RESIDENCY & EXHIBITION

Call for Proposals - Tautai invites Pasifika artists based in Aotearoa to apply for one of three Fale-ship residencies, undertaken from their homes or creative spaces. These residencies support experienced visual artists developing new work for an exhibition at Tautai.

About the Residency

Our Fale-ship Residency Programme provides artists with dedicated time and resources to explore their creative practice. Selected residents will undertake a three-month residency between Monday 29th June – Sunday 20th September, 2026 to develop their projects within their own creative centres. This part-time structure allows for flexibility, enabling artists to pursue other creative endeavours, and to accommodate the day-to-day demands of life and work. Residency Artists will explore the creative processes behind their work and share an insight into their practice with a dedicated artist profile. The residency includes studio visits, guest mentors, and other professional development opportunities.

Who Should Apply

We welcome applications from experienced Pasifika visual arts practitioners living in Aotearoa. Visual arts include Painting, Sculpture, Performance Art, Printmaking, Photography, and Video. Artists from diverse backgrounds and perspectives are encouraged to apply.

Residency Details

  • Location: Artists' home studios or creative centres

  • Duration: Three months

  • Support Provided: $6000 Residency fee, mentorship, critique sessions, professional development opportunities, an exhibition at Tautai (with separate budget), a dedicated artist profile shared on our social media platforms, and on our website, and a materials fee of up to $1500.

  • Expectations: Development of a new body of high-quality work, participation in studio visits, group critiques, and professional development courses, and an exhibition-ready project. Residency artists are also asked to include a 750 word essay on their project and contextual concerns - which will accompany the exhibition.

How to Apply

Interested artists should submit the following materials:

  • a statement of intent outlining their project and goals for the residency (500 words)

  • a portfolio or samples of recent work (5 images of previous or current work)

  • an artist CV

  • a proposal detailing their residency plans (500 words)

  • a budget outlining project expenses/ breakdown of exhibition materials fee (up to $1500)

  • at least two referees from previous gallery, exhibition or residency experiences

Deadline for Submissions

31 May, 11.59pm

Notification of Selection

14 June

How to Submit

Please send your application as a single .pdf to applications@tautai.org

For any questions contact Elisabeth Pointon - Curator at gallery@tautai.org, or check out the FAQ attached below!

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview before the final selection is made.

We look forward to receiving your proposals and supporting innovative artistic endeavours!

FAQs

  • The residency is open to Pasifika Visual Artists, living in Aotearoa. We follow Creative New Zealand’s (CNZ) definition of Pasifika, “meaning people living in Aotearoa New Zealand who have Pacific Island heritage”. Applicants must have a genealogical and cultural connection to the Pacific and be committed to developing their Pacific art practice. 

  • Fale-ship artists are expected to develop a new body of high-quality work during their residency, participate in studio visits, group critiques, and professional development courses, culminating in an exhibition-ready project to be presented at Tautai. While the residency is focused on creative exploration, artists should use this time to progress their practice in preparation for this future presentation.

  • The residency runs from Monday 29 June to Sunday 20 September, with a maximum of 15 hours per week commitment. This part-time structure allows for flexibility, enabling artists to pursue other creative endeavours and to accommodate the day-to-day demands of life.

  • The Fale-ship residency has been running since 2020, and we have proudly supported 58 artists from the Pasifika community. Through this residency, we provide opportunities for visibility, creative development, and financial support. Now with the added exhibition showcase, we can further platform and amplify the voices of Pacific artists and contribute to the sustainability of their practice.

  • Yes, the residency is for artists based in Aotearoa.

  • Yes. Applicants must submit a statement of intent (500 words) outlining their project and goals for the residency. While the project can evolve during the Fale-ship, having a clear direction will help ensure a productive residency experience.

  • Artists may share work in progress and insights online throughout the residency. However, we ask that the completed final works remain private until the final exhibition at Tautai.

  • Yes! We encourage applicants to explore past Fale-ship artists on our website and social media.

  • We will inform all applicants of their status within two weeks of the closing date.

  • The residency is designed for individual artists, but collectives are welcome to reach out to discuss possibilities.

  • Shortlisted applicants may be invited for a conversation with the selection panel.

  • No, the Fale-ship residency is open to artists at all stages of their creative journey. However, we ask that applicants have at least three years of exhibition or residency experience to ensure they are ready to make the most of this opportunity.

  • Artists will receive a range of support, including:

    • A $6000 residency fee.

    • Mentorship throughout your time with us.

    • Critique sessions and professional development opportunities.

    • An exhibition at Tautai (with a separate exhibition budget).

    • A dedicated artist profile shared on our social media platforms and website.

    • A materials fee of up to $1500 to assist with your creative practice.

  • Artists are responsible for their own workspace, but Tautai will offer support where possible, as well as a materials fee of up to $1500.

  • Applicants must provide the following information in their application.

    • A statement of whakapapa detailing their ancestral connections to the Pasifika community.

    • A statement of intent outlining their project and goals for the residency (500 words)

    • A portfolio or samples of recent work (5 images of previous or current work)

    • An artist CV

    • A proposal detailing their residency plans (500 words)

    • A budget outlining project expenses/ breakdown of exhibition materials fee (up to $1500)

    • At least two referees from previous gallery, exhibition or residency experiences.

PREVIOUS FALE-SHIP RESIDENCIES