The Ellen Melville Centre proudly presents the Queer Creative Residency, part of its Proud Centre initiatives for Auckland Pride Festival 2025. This exciting opportunity offers one Takatāpui creative from any discipline the chance to transform the Marilyn Waring Room into a public-facing studio space, visible from High Street.

With a $1,000 stipend, the residency supports rehearsal, experimentation, and exploration, allowing the artist to showcase their process while connecting with the community. Artists are expected to dedicate at least 10 hours per week in the space, maintain public visibility, adhere to EMC’s health and safety policies, and collaborate on social media content. Any public presentations of work created during the residency must acknowledge the Ellen Melville Centre and Pride Festival.

The residency fosters visibility and amplifies Takatāpui and queer voices, celebrating diversity and creativity during the festival. There’s no requirement to deliver finished artwork, giving participants full autonomy to use the space for brainstorming, experimentation, or public engagement. Expressions of interest are open now, and the selected artist will bring energy and connection to this dynamic space.

Applications close Sunday, 5 January 2025. For more information, email leela.bhai@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz. Let’s celebrate the power of queer creativity together!