Waiora: Arteries of Aotearoa art competition

Intersect, a nationwide network of Young Leaders in Sustainability, is calling for young New Zealand artists (aged 18-25) to create an artwork that explores ideas around water and cultural diversity.  One talented artist will be awarded $2000.

‘Waiora: Arteries of Aotearoa’ explores how cultural diversity challenges and unifies our society and what this means for sustaining our most precious natural resource: healthy water. Young artists are invited to submit a proposal for an artwork that is an interpretation of ‘Waiora’. The successful proposal will be given $1000 for material costs, and a cash prize of $1000. The artwork will be exhibited in Wellington in July 2009. 

Many of New Zealand's art works themed around cultural diversity focus on cultural divides; and the past and future difficulties that the Treaty of Waitangi presents. However we also live in a country where cultural diversity is increasingly celebrated among many young people. Intersect wants this art work to capture how young artists in the early 21st Century view the importance of cultural diversity in working towards a sustainable future for NZ's freshwater resources. We also want to give young people a stronger voice.

Proposals are due by 3 June 2009. Details are available at www.intersect.org.nz/waiora/.

The Proposals will be assessed by a panel comprising Megan Tamati-Quenelle - Toi Maori Curator, Te Papa; Wayne Youle - Artist, Ngapuhi, Ngati Whakaeke, Ngati Pakeha; Sophie Jerram - Artist, Filmmaker, Writer and Sustainability commentator; James Blackie - Director at Page Blackie Gallery; Megan Hosking – Sustainability Trust; Sarah Campbell - Intersect Trustee; and Hayden Montgomerie  - New Zealand National Commission for UNSECO: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation)

‘Waiora – Arteries of Aotearoa’ has been made possible by the New Zealand Commission for UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) and Intersect. Any queries about this Project may be directed to Megan Hosking on 021 458 845; or emailed to youngnzartist@gmail.com.