Artist Residency Application Form
Do you have the spark of an idea for a new performing arts piece, but find that you never have the time and space to develop it into something real? Wairarapa Events Centre are here to give your vision time to form and thrive with our Wairarapa Performing Arts Residency. Our aim for this residency is to foster and nurture the performing arts in the Wairarapa and provide support for artists in our community to grow and develop their craft.
We are offering a four day workshop slot in our auditorium in January 2026 for Wairarapa performing artists and makers looking for space and time to develop a new idea for live performance. It could be a new musical you’ve been working on, a play, a dance piece, circus, cabaret, or performance art – if you think it qualifies as performing arts, then apply!
You’ll have the place to yourselves with sound and lighting support from our on-site technicians to workshop and develop an idea for a new performing arts concept. Participants will also have the option to perform a showing of work to an invited audience for further feedback and development.
This opportunity is for both emerging and established artists. Applications will be assessed by council staff (including Tangata Whenua) and selection will be based on a well-articulated artistic vision, clear goals for the workshop, and previous creative works.
Applicants are also encouraged to apply for the Creative Communities Grants round currently open to help cover other workshopping costs https://cdc.govt.nz/creative-grants-2024/.
To be eligible to apply you’ll need to be:
- Over the age of 18
- Based in the Wairarapa
How to apply:
- Fill out the application form below and include:
- A performing arts concept proposal: Up to 300 words clearly describing your project, what you hope to achieve in the workshop, and what the ultimate goals for the performance are.
- Your performing arts CV
- Bios for any other key creatives or performers
- An indicative budget for other workshopping costs
- Documentation of past creative work including up to five images and up to five links to recordings, reviews, articles and other material published online (if applicable)
- Website and social media links (if applicable)
Applications due: 3rd November 2025
Successful applicants announced: 14th November 2025
Residency workshop: 26th – 30th Jan 2026
Please ensure any supporting documentation is sent to events@cdc.govt.nz with your name in the subject line and reference to the Wairarapa Artist Residency Application.