13 April 2023
Expansive Encounters is a reciprocal exchange between Northern Rivers and Ōtautahi Christchurch. Over a four-week intensive, two Northern Rivers artists will participate in an immersive research and development opportunity to increase their professional practice within art in public spaces.
Hosted in September 2023, artists will be supported by Arts Northern Rivers to gain a deeper understanding of the cultural strands and values that have shaped art in public spaces in Ōtautahi Christchurch. The successful participants will generate innovative ideas, explore diverse practices, and deeply engage with the ecology of the public arena post-earthquake.
This pilot program will establish the parameters of an ongoing relationship between the two host countries. Through the lens of creative recovery, this exchange will strengthen the capacity of artistic practice in post-disaster communities.
Art in public spaces is a multifaceted field encompassing a range of practices and outcomes that are intentionally planned and executed outside the confines of traditional gallery contexts. These practices involve a diverse set of processes that may include; site-specific installation, performance, community engagement, placemaking, sound, and spatial practices. In the context of post-disaster, these practices can play a vital role in recovery and serve as a powerful tool in the reimagining of public space.
Download Project Guidelines PDF
Program Fees
Two individuals and/or collaborative practitioners will be awarded $9,000 each to support their participation in the program. This fee will be self-managed by the successful artists to include all associated costs such as but not limited to; travel, accommodation, per diems and any research and development expenses.
Key Dates
9 May 2023 – EOI applications close
13 June 2023 – Notification
1 -30 September – Residency period (Ōtautahi Christchurch)
TBD 2024 – Art in Public Spaces program (Northern Rivers)
For enquiries please contact: Holly Ahern, Transitional Projects Coordinator at projects@artsnorthernrivers.com.au