Masons Screen Summer Writing Commissions 2027

CIRCUIT Artist Moving Image Aotearoa New Zealand and Tāhuhu Kōrero Toi Art History at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington are inviting expressions of interest for three paid writing commissions responding to artworks shown on Masons Screen — a permanent public outdoor moving image screen in Wellington's CBD.

In 2027, Masons Screen will feature new works by Faye Shu, Gabriel White, and Phoebe Laird, each screening for six weeks between January and April. Three selected writers will each be paired with one of these commissioned works and supported by CIRCUIT's editor to develop a written response of up to 1,000 words for publication on the CIRCUIT website.

Each writer will receive $400 for their commissioned text. This is a great opportunity to publish your first critical response to a new moving image work, develop your writing with the guidance of a professional editor, and reach audiences through a respected platform.

Who can apply:

This commission is open to current students and recent graduates of Victoria University of Wellington who are in their third year of study or above. It is aimed at writers early in their careers — specifically those who have had no more than four arts articles published in print or online (self-publishing excluded). There is no age limit.

To apply, submit:

• A brief bio and writing sample of up to 1,000 words (published or unpublished, whole piece or extract)
• A one-page description of how you would approach writing about a new moving image work — this may include past writing or research projects, your interest in moving image and/or public art; if relevant, indicate which of the three artists you'd most like to write about and why

Send your proposal to Mark Williams at director@circuit.org.nz. Enquiries welcome at the same address.

Successful applicants will be notified by Tuesday 8 December 2026.