Maori carvers, printmakers, painters and fibre artists are invited to apply for the 2012 Toi Sqwigwialtxw artist’s residency in Washington, United States of America.

Maori carvers, printmakers, painters and fibre artists are invited to apply for the 2012 Toi Sqwigwialtxw artist’s residency in Washington, United States of America.

The biennial Toi Sqwigwialtxw (pronounced: skweg-voy-out) Residency is supported by Te Waka Toi, the Maori arts board of Creative New Zealand; and the Longhouse Education and Cultural Center at Evergreen State University in Olympia. Sqwigwialtxw means ‘house of welcome’ in the language of South Puget Sound Salish.

Applications are now open to established visual artists of Maori descent, who wish to apply for a six week residency during 1 May and 30 June 2012.

“The successful candidate will be an ambassador for Maori arts and culture. They will have an opportunity to undertake a project of their choice, as well as collaborate with Alaska Native and Coast Salish artists” says Te Waka Toi Chair Darrin Haimona.

“Just think of the powerful and creative new work that could emerge from such a collaboration”.

Longhouse Education and Cultural Center Director Tina Kuckkhan says, “We have just opened our Northwest Native Woodcarving Studio which will also function as a weaving or other studio. We are excited to be able to host another wonderful Maori artist in our new, purpose-built facility”.

Candidates for the residency will need to demonstrate excellence in visual arts. Previous artists selected for the residency include; weaver Tina Wirihana (2006); master carver Dr Takirirangi Smith (2007); visual artist June Northcroft Grant (2008) and Henare and Tawera Tahuri (2010).

Initially a 12 week visual arts residency, in 2008 the initiative grew into a biennial exchange. This residency provides professional development opportunities and the chance for Maori artists to broaden networks with other indigenous artists from the Pacific Rim.

Applications for the 2012 Toi Sqwigwialtxw artist’s residency close on Friday 16 March 2012.

All information can be found on the Creative New Zealand website, then select 'Maori arts'.

Release: Creative New Zealand