Call for proposals for mid-2025/early 2026 exhibition programme

Blue Oyster is an art project space that has been running since 1999 in Ōtepoti Dunedin, located within the takiwā of Te Rūnaka o Ōtākou and Kāti Huirapa Rūnaka ki Puketeraki of Kāi Tahu. Blue Oyster invites proposals that are new, innovative and non-commercial with a focus on experimental practice by solo, duo or collaborating artist practitioners to be developed and presented in conversation and in collaboration with the director.

With support from the Blue Oyster Arts Trust, the director will prioritise high-quality proposals that align with Blue Oyster’s responsibilities to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, as well as focus on the development of experimental visual practice, and relate, add to and strengthen diverse perspectives on local, national and global conversations on contemporary art.

The director, alongside the Trust, aim to present original and varied exhibitions that respond to Blue Oyster’s context and vision, including the key principles outlined by its Māori Engagement Strategy: manaakitaka, whakawhanaukataka, kaitiakitaka, tuakana/teina and rakatirataka (definitions of these are outlined below). To read and understand more about the Trust’s mission and goals visit our About page on our website.

Blue Oyster have produced a proposal Starter Pack with a poster of a floor plan that can be cut out and assembled to make a gallery maquette, as well as general information about sending in proposals. If you’d like one of these, limited numbers will be available to pick up from:

Ōtepoti – Blue Oyster, 16 Dowling St. Open: Tue-Fri, 11am-5pm & Sat, 11am-3pm

Tāmaki Makaurau – Samoa House Library, 283 Karangahape Rd. Open: Tue-Fri, 11am-5pm

Te Whanganui-a-Tara – Enjoy Contemporary Art Space, 211 Left Bank. Open: Wed-Fri, 11am-6pm & Sat, 11am-4pm

Ōtautahi – Ilam School of Fine Arts, Fine Arts Lane. Open: Mon-Fri, 9am-4pm

All proposals must be submitted by the deadline of midnight, Sunday, September 29. Any proposals submitted after this time will not be considered.

Click here for more information and the complete proposal guidelines.

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