Deadline: 04-Jun-2026
The Oceania Pacific Arts Residency is a six-week international residency in Suva, Fiji, bringing together established artists from Aotearoa New Zealand, Australia, and Fiji. The programme supports creative development focused on climate change, Pacific identity, and cultural exchange across Te Moana Nui a Kiwa, providing funding, accommodation, travel, and project support for selected artists.
Oceania Pacific Arts Residency Overview
The residency is a collaborative Pacific arts programme designed to strengthen artistic networks, cultural exchange, and creative practice across the Pacific region. It provides a shared space for artists to develop new work responding to climate change while engaging with Pasifika identity, history, and contemporary cultural issues.
Each year, one artist from New Zealand, Australia, and Fiji is selected to participate in the residency in Suva.
Residency Details
- Duration: 6 weeks
- Location: Suva, Fiji
- Dates: 1 October – 12 November 2026
- Number of participants: 3 artists (one from each country)
- Participating countries: New Zealand, Australia, Fiji
The residency supports collaborative and individual artistic development within a shared cultural environment.
Core Themes and Focus Areas
The programme focuses on:
- Climate change and environmental transformation
- Pacific arts development and creative practice
- Pasifika identity, culture, and history
- Artistic collaboration and cultural exchange
- Long-term engagement with the Pacific region
- Strengthening regional creative networks
- Storytelling across Te Moana Nui a Kiwa
Artists are expected to create new work aligned with the climate change theme.
Funding and Financial Support
Selected artists receive:
- NZD $9,000 artist fee
- Return travel to Suva
- Accommodation during residency
- Daily per diem allowances
- NZD $4,000 project development fund
Project costs may cover:
- Art materials and supplies
- Equipment hire
- Insurance
- Transport
- Promotion and documentation
- Internet and communication costs
- Venue hire
- Local mentorship and collaboration support
Eligibility Criteria
New Zealand Applicants
Must:
- Be citizens or permanent residents of New Zealand
- Be established artists with at least 10 years of professional experience
- Have exhibited or published work nationally or internationally
- Be of Pacific Islands heritage
- Explore Pasifika identity, culture, or history in their work
- Submit a climate change–focused project proposal
Australia Applicants
Must:
- Be citizens or permanent residents of Australia
- Have at least 10 years of professional arts experience
- Have national or international exhibition/publication history
- Demonstrate long-term engagement with the Pacific region
- Submit a climate change–themed project proposal
Fiji Applicants
Must:
- Be citizens or permanent residents of Fiji
- Be Fiji-based artists with at least 10 years of professional experience
- Have national, regional, or international recognition
- Explore Pasifika identity, culture, or history in their work
- Submit a climate change–related project proposal
Programme Objectives
The residency aims to:
- Support climate change–themed artistic production
- Strengthen Pacific cultural and artistic identity
- Build regional creative networks and collaborations
- Encourage cross-cultural exchange between Pacific nations
- Develop long-term engagement with Pacific arts ecosystems
- Enhance professional practice of established artists
- Promote storytelling rooted in Pacific perspectives
Why This Residency Matters
This programme is important because it:
- Supports high-level Pacific artistic collaboration
- Amplifies Indigenous and Pasifika voices in contemporary art
- Encourages climate-focused creative responses
- Strengthens regional cultural identity and exchange
- Builds sustainable creative networks across the Pacific
- Provides financial and logistical support for major artistic development
- Encourages international visibility for Pacific artists
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applications may be less competitive if they:
- Lack a clear climate change focus
- Do not demonstrate sufficient professional experience (10+ years required)
- Fail to show connection to Pacific identity or region
- Provide weak or underdeveloped project proposals
- Do not align with residency themes of cultural exchange
- Ignore eligibility requirements for nationality or residency status
- Lack evidence of artistic practice or exhibition history
Tips for a Strong Application
- Clearly connect your project to climate change impacts in the Pacific
- Highlight your artistic achievements and professional experience
- Demonstrate strong engagement with Pacific identity or culture
- Show how your work contributes to regional artistic development
- Emphasise collaboration and cultural exchange potential
- Provide a detailed and realistic project plan for six weeks
- Align your proposal with long-term artistic and cultural impact
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the residency?
Established artists from New Zealand, Australia, and Fiji who meet eligibility criteria.
Where does the residency take place?
In Suva, Fiji.
How long is the residency?
Six weeks, from 1 October to 12 November 2026.
What is the main theme?
Climate change, Pacific identity, and cultural exchange.
What funding is provided?
NZD $9,000 artist fee plus travel, accommodation, per diem, and NZD $4,000 project support.
How many artists are selected?
Three artists in total—one from each participating country.
Is prior experience required?
Yes, at least 10 years of professional artistic practice is required.
Conclusion
The Oceania Pacific Arts Residency is a high-level Pacific creative exchange programme that supports established artists in developing climate change–focused work while strengthening cultural identity and regional collaboration. By bringing together artists from New Zealand, Australia, and Fiji, it fosters long-term artistic networks and amplifies Pacific voices in global cultural discourse.
For more information, visit Creative New Zealand.