The Toi Ōtautahi Incubator Programme applications are open now! But this is your last week to get your application in!
The programme supports Ōtautahi artists, musicians, performers, filmmakers and writers to develop projects, large and small through providing mentoring with respected industry professionals.
We welcome applications from all artists and creatives living in and around Ōtautahi and Te Pātaka o Rākaihautū.
Some of our alumni from the programme share their experiences here.
Josiah Morgan (Kāi Tahu, Ngāti Maniapoto), Elisa Jones, and Khalil Qualls were mentored by Vanessa Karakia-Kore Gray. Josiah says: “The Toi Ōtautahi incubator project held immense value for us. Connecting with our mentor allowed us to test ideas and go ‘the full distance’ and continue to build strong and sustainable relationships with professionals in the sector. I recommend the incubator to everyone – and have in fact already done so – for us, it made a material difference in expressing our project to the fullest extent we could.”
Wade Cook (aka Shady Wade) was mentored by Greg Haver and Sam Trevethick. Wade says: “Taking part in the Toi Ōtautahi Incubator Programme jump started my project from idea to reality. My goal of recording and releasing my debut single went from demo to fully mixed and mastered track ready for release. They paired me with industry leading mentors that tailored goals specific for my project and artistic development. Being part of this programme has been the highlight of my creative journey and I would encourage anyone with an artistic project that needs help getting some traction to apply.”
Filmmaker Ian Sweeney says, “I loved being part of the incubator. I got to learn from the best, meet like-minded artists and eat a very impressive array of biscuits. I’d definitely recommend the experience to anyone who want to take their creative project to the next level.”
Screenwriter Nick Ward is one of the brilliant mentors in the Toi Ōtautahi incubator programme. He says: “I thoroughly enjoyed being a mentor with the Incubator Programme. The experience was as inspiring for me as it was for the attendees. What sets this course apart is that it’s completely tailored to each participant – your questions shape the course, and the answers come from a world-class writer with multiple film and television projects currently in development and production. Attendees can expect to get exactly what they want from this truly interactive and immersive experience.”
Theatre Director Vanessa Karakia-Kore Gray is one of the brilliant mentors in the Toi Ōtautahi Incubator Programme. She says: “It was a privilege to have been a mentor for the Toi Ōtautahi Incubator Programme. It’s essential we contribute to and support our arts communities, individuals, industries and programmes to ensure the wellbeing and sustainability of our local arts sector. I value the tuakana/teina model and approach. So much can be gained for all parties (mentors and mentees) when working in this way. Artists should apply to this because fostering knowledge sharing, nurturing community bonds, strengthening collaboration and personal development opportunities ALWAYS WORKS! Each of the mentees were EXTREMELY talented and I consider the relationships we formed to have been dynamic, mutualistic, authentic and lasting (extending beyond the incubator). Working with innovative artists and being part of a creative community is AWESOME! If you think you’re creative, definitely get amongst this kaupapa!”
Applications close 11.59pm on Sunday 13th October.