Since the launch of the Iris Fisher Art Awards in 1981—later becoming the annual Iris Fisher Art Award from 1984 to 2005—followed by the Iris Fisher Scholarship from 2007 to 2024, Te Tuhi has consistently encouraged and nurtured the development of emerging artists in Aotearoa New Zealand with the support of the Lou and Iris Fisher Charitable Trust.
2025 is the 50th anniversary of the opening of the Pakuranga Cultural and Community Centre (now Te Tuhi), and it marks a point in the evolution of the Iris Fisher Scholarship where Te Tuhi and the Lou and Iris Fisher Charitable Trust have once again considered the current climate and landscape and evaluated how the legacy of Iris Fisher can best foster and encourage contemporary art practice.
Reviewing the benefits of the scholarship, one of the biggest impacts on the careers of artists was the opportunity to develop strong relationships with Te Tuhi and the institution’s wider network.
In light of these considerations, the Lou and Iris Fisher Charitable Trust have generously increased the amount of funding for the scholarship to provide a stipend for a new three-month studio residency programme as the next step in the evolution of the Iris Fisher Art Award.
About the Iris Fisher Artist Studio Residency
A three-month studio residency at Te Tuhi for an emerging visual artist or collective to experiment, explore, and develop new work.
This residency is designed for emerging artists who demonstrate potential to contribute significantly to contemporary art in Aotearoa and beyond. Artists are not required to produce a final work or exhibition during the residency; the focus is on developing their artistic practice.
The Iris Fisher Artist Studio Residency offers:
→ Shared space in the Papatūnga Artist Studio at Te Tuhi in Pakuranga, to work for 12 weeks with access 7 days from 9am-5pm (out of hours access by arrangement)
→ A total stipend of $15,000 (disbursed as $5,000/month for the 3 months the artist is in residence)
→ Mentorship and curatorial support from Te Tuhi’s team
→ Access to workshop and resources
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
→ Be New Zealand citizens or residents
→ Be emerging artists or collectives who have not yet had a significant solo show
→ Be able to spend at least 25 hours per week in the studio
→ Use the residency to advance their artistic practice
→ At the completion of the residency the recipient will be required to provide a report and feedback on their residency.
While accommodation is not provided, out-of-town artists are welcome to apply if they can arrange their own accommodation in Auckland for the residency period.
Key Dates
→ Applications Close: Monday 9 June 2025
→ Residency Period: 12 weeks (to be completed by the end of June 2026)
For more information and how to apply visit Te Tuhi’s website.
The residency is generously supported by the Lou and Iris Fisher Charitable Trust. Te Tuhi acknowledges the Iris Fisher Family for their invaluable involvement and contribution to the contemporary art sector in Aotearoa New Zealand.
