Oceania Pacific Arts Residency
Creative New Zealand
Funding
$9,000 NZD artist fee + $4,000 NZD project costs + return travel and accommodation
Opens
30 April 2026
Deadline
4 June 2026
Location
Suva, Global
Entry Fee
Free
Travel Support
Yes — Accommodation & per diems
About
A 6-week residency at the Oceania Centre in Suva, Fiji for established Pacific artists from NZ, Australia, and Fiji exploring Climate Change.
The Oceania Pacific Arts Residency is a tri-nations partnership between Creative New Zealand, Creative Australia, and the Oceania Centre at The University of the South Pacific in Suva, Fiji. This pilot programme selects one established artist from each participating country — Aotearoa New Zealand, Australia, and Fiji — to take part in a shared six-week residency from 1 October to 12 November 2026.
The residency is designed to support established Pacific creatives in developing their arts practice and growing meaningful relationships and networks across Te Moana Nui a Kiwa. Artists will develop new work centred on the theme of Climate Change — a priority under Creative New Zealand's Pacific Arts Strategy and a pressing issue for Pacific Island communities.
What's on offer:
- $9,000 NZD artist fee
- Return travel to Suva, Fiji from New Zealand or Australia
- Accommodation and per diems for the duration of the residency
- $4,000 NZD for project costs (materials, venue hire, local mentorship, promotion, etc.)
- Networking and engagement opportunities with local and regional arts communities
The studio is suitable for a single artist or a couple. The grant is a contribution toward travel and living costs — applicants should research the cost of living in Suva and may need to supplement with their own funds.
Eligibility for New Zealand artists:
- NZ citizen or permanent resident
- Established artist or practitioner with at least 10 years' experience in Aotearoa NZ
- Must have exhibited, presented, or published work nationally or internationally
- Of Pacific Islands heritage, with work that explores Pasifika identity, culture, or history
- Must have a specific creative project proposal aligned to the Climate Change theme
- No overdue Creative New Zealand grant reports or current funding defaults
How to apply:
Complete and submit the online Expression of Interest (EOI) form by 1:00 PM NZT on Thursday, 4 June 2026. Eligible artists may submit one EOI. You cannot save and return to the form, so prepare your responses beforehand.
Your EOI should include your artist bio, links to your work, and a description (max 4,000 characters) of your project idea and how it connects to the Climate Change theme, Creative New Zealand's Pacific Arts Strategy, and your intended local impact in Suva.
Online Drop-in Info/Talanoa Sessions:
Join one or more of the online information sessions to ask questions and learn more:
- 7 May 2026, 1:00 PM NZT
- 14 May 2026, 1:00 PM NZT
- 21 May 2026, 1:00 PM NZT
- 28 May 2026, 1:00 PM NZT
Results will be announced by 22 June 2026. If you identify as Deaf or disabled and require access support, please contact the team to discuss your needs.