Residencies

About the Summer Residency

Like most project spaces around the country, from the Christmas break through to the end of January, the Blue Oyster is mostly closed to coincide with surrounding business holidays. During this time we are able to offer the empty gallery space and accompanying gallery resources as a one month studio residency to an artist or group of artists. The Summer Residency was re-started in 2012, and has since enjoyed seven years hosting artists on project and research based endeavours, which have resulted in a Blue Oyster exhibition or project during the following programme.

Summer Residents are encouraged to use the space as a space for developing research, writing and making. The Residency is offered as a space for contemplation, experience, discussion and consideration, giving the artist more time to consider their evolving practice. Summer residents are paid our standard artist fee plus any additional fundraising and support we are able to gain. The Blue Oyster programmes residents through the annual call for proposals and by invitation.

About the Mid-Year Residency

A new residency initiative designed to provide an open space for Dunedin-based artists to connect with the day to day operations of the Blue Oyster and work with the Director on their exhibition for a longer period of time. Mid-Year Residents are able to stay for up to 3 months and are encouraged to donate a small koha each week to cover additional heating/provisions. The Blue Oyster programmes residents through the annual call for proposals and by invitation.