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ABOUT THE TOI ŌTAUTAHI INCUBATOR PROGRAMME

The Toi Ōtautahi Incubator Programme focuses on supporting Ōtautahi artists, musicians, performers, filmmakers and writers to develop projects, large and small through providing mentoring with respected industry professionals.

WHO CAN APPLY

This opportunity is for those already in the industry or considering working in it, to help develop their skills and projects with support from experienced mentors, and through opportunities to collaborate with others on the same journey or working in the sector currently.

We welcome applications from all artists and creatives living in and around Ōtautahi and Te Pātaka o Rākaihautū.

You might need help bringing your project to life, navigating your creative career path, or support developing your business skills. Let us know about your creative practice and how mentoring would help you to achieve your goals.

You can expect:

• Up to five one-on-one mentoring sessions with an experienced artist/industry professional over a period of 6 months. Mentoring sessions may be on-line or in person.
• Mentoring toward your creative practice and/or a specific creative project
• Opportunities for group sessions, whakawhānaungatanga and to develop a network and connections with other artists and industry professionals
• Support from a Council Arts Advisor where possible

Māori artists and creatives living in and around Ōtautahi and Te Pātaka o Rākaihautū are encouraged to apply, and we will work with you to find the best mentor and mentoring framework for your kaupapa.

Tagata Moana / Pasifika artists and creatives living in and around Ōtautahi and Te Pātaka o Rākaihautū are encouraged to apply. We seek to create more opportunities for Pacific artists in Ōtautahi Christchurch.

Groups, bands, collectives are welcome to apply.

MENTORS

Toi Ōtautahi works with many experienced mentors across a range creative industries. We endeavour to match selected artists with the best mentor for their project and needs. We also work to engage new mentors where needed. While we cannot promise that you will get to work with your preferred mentor, please let us know in the application form, who you would love to be mentored by.

Previous mentors include:

Music, Composition: Sam Trevethick, Emily C Browning, Delaney Davidson, Greg Haver, Dr Eve de Castro Robinson, Dr Jo Burzynska

Film, Storytelling: Pip Hall, Rachel Lang, Nick Ward, Vanessa Wells, Gina Frangello, Alex Lee, David Stubbs, David White, Tainui Stephens, Carmen Leonard, Irene Gardiner

Street Arts: Miranda Parkes, Zina Swanson, Dr Reuben Woods, Stace the Ace, Louie Brooks, Paul Walters

Performance, Acting: Zahra Killeen-Chance, Ross McCormack, Dan Bain, Vanessa Karakia-Kore Gray, Sara Brodie, Mel Luckman, Hubert Michalak

Waiata Māori (group programme): Henare Kaa

IMPORTANT DATES

• Applications due: 11.59pm on Sunday 13 October 2024
• Applicants notified: Friday 18 October 2024
• Programme Induction: 5.30pm Tuesday 22 October 2024.
• Incubator Forum: February 2025 – exact weekend TBC. The Incubator Forum takes place half-way through the programme. It is a 2-day group forum where you will learn from guest mentors and industry professionals. This is a time to share your progress and receive feedback from the broader group of artists and mentors.
• Programme Final Event: April 2025 – exact date TBC

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

To apply for the Toi Ōtautahi Incubator programme, you must:

• demonstrate your experience in your creative practice/art form
• be currently based in Ōtautahi Christchurch
• be able to commit to meeting with mentors, attending group sessions, and developing your project, which may take place after work hours

HOW TO APPLY

Please check the eligibility criteria and important dates before applying.

Please email your completed application form, along with any attachments or supporting documents, to Christchurch City Council Arts Advisors: artsadvisors@ccc.govt.nz before 11.59pm Sunday 13 October 2024.

Please include:

• Completed application form  –
  DOWNLOADABLE PDF FORM HERE: Toi Otautahi Incubator Application Form_2024
  DOWNLOADABLE WORD.DOC FORM HERE: Toi Otautahi Incubator Application Form_2024
• Your Creative C.V.
• Examples of / links to previous work

If you have any questions or need assistance with the application process, please contact Olivia Webb via email olivia.webb@ccc.govt.nz or on (03) 941 8652; or 027 339 5078.

Please note:

• This is not an accredited course
• There is no cost to participate
• You will not be paid a stipend or fee to participate
• We will seek your feedback as we progress through to understand what tweaks can be made to improve your experience and future incubators
• We will do our best to match you with a mentor who has experience related to your interests
• This is a contestable programme and there is limited mentoring available
• There are no age restrictions
• Your contact information may be shared with mentors and Arts Advisors

SUPPORTED BY

The Toi Ōtautahi Incubator Programme is part of the Christchurch City Council Toi Ōtautahi Arts Strategy, supporting mentoring opportunities that contribute to building sustainable careers for the local arts, culture, and creative sector. This programme has been supported by The Christchurch City Council, Manatū Taonga, Creative NZ, Rātā Foundation, and mana whenua.