Blue Oyster Art Project Space is an art gallery in Ōtepoti. We focus on supporting artists to experiment with their practices and test the limits of their work. We accept expressions of interest from all disciplines, including but not limited to visual arts, music, theatre, literature, etc. 

Blue Oyster is a kāika (Kāi Tahu dialect for kāinga). Artists, audiences and artworkers are all welcome to come in, see the amazing art and have a cuppa tea. Alongside exhibitions, we have a co-working space, a library and a lovely shop. Founded in 1999 as an artist run space, Blue Oyster is a small arts institution in the deep south and we have held strong to to the ideals which the gallery begun with - being an interesting and fun place to see experimental and engaging artwork. 

See our website for more information: www.blueoyster.org.nz

Bridging the gap between school and life post-study, AO HOU is all about supporting the development of new practices. This opportunity provides dedicated time, space and financial contribution to support the development of new work in a small group setting. The Studio Residency is intended to be a starting point. Exhibition content will develop in relation with the participating artists, with curatorial support from staff members during the residency and in the lead up to the Group Exhibition, held in Blue Oyster’s Pearl Gallery.

This opportunity provides:

Studio Residency

All throughout January 2027 our gallery space will be morphed into a shared studio. Each artist will receive:

• 4 weeks studio space in Blue Oyster, shared with 2 other AO HOU artists

• $500.00 weekly stipend for 4 weeks

• $500.00 contribution to materials

• Curatorial support

Group Exhibition

In early July, Blue Oyster will host an exhibition by AO HOU artists! The exhibition will be developed in collaboration with the resident artists and Blue Oyster. Each artist will receive:

• Combined artist fee and materials contribution of at least $1,100.00

• Curatorial and install support during the exhibition

Timeline

Residency

• Begins: Monday 11th January 2027

• Public open studio event: Friday 4th February 2027

• Ends: Saturday 5th February 2027

Exhibition

• Install: Thursday 1st & Friday 2nd June 2027

• Duration: Saturday 12th June - Saturday 4th September 2027

• Deinstall: Monday 6th September & Tuesday 7th September 2027

Important information!

• The gallery itself is wheelchair accessible, however our bathroom is not.

• This opportunity open to graduates from any tertiary education provider, including but not limited to: Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, Te Kura Matatini o Otago (Otago Polytechnic), Ōtakou Whakaihu Waka (Otago University).

• The Studio Residency provides shared studio space. Accommodation is not provided. For this reason, the opportunity will be most suited to locally based applicants.