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d/Deaf and/or Disabled Artist
Development Residency
Toi Aro is pleased to announce the 2026 residency program for d/Deaf and/or disabled artists, with a call for submissions.
Contact our Public Programmer with any queries at sascha.perfect@wcc.govt.nz or 021 971 186
Dates
The Residency will run from 26 Oct – 20 Dec 2026 (8 weeks)
Applications open – 17 Aug
Applications close – 5pm, Tuesday 15 September 2026
Successful artist notified and announced – 7 Oct 2026
What’s on offer
This opportunity is open to one d/Deaf and/or disabled artist based in Te Whanganui-a-Tara, to develop new work.
Toi Aro development residencies are usually 8 weeks part time to provide you with more time to work in a flexible way.
When you are considering your proposal think about how long your work will take to make.
Scale your idea to align with the part time hours allocated to the residency
The artist fee is $3750 before tax.
You will have access to a paid interpreter/mentor/companion/ other support person of your choice. We will discuss what your needs are and arrange suitable support dependent on your needs.
At the end of the residency, there will be an opportunity to present a work in progress studio showing of your work to invited guests. Toi Aro staff will be available to assist with install or set up if required.
Advice and support on how to pitch for the next year of exhibitions at Toi Aro will be part of the residency debrief if this is relevant to your work.
Eligibility
To apply, you must be:
d/Deaf or disabled person or identify as having a disability or impairment.
And be a New Zealand citizen or permanent resident.
Please note:
You don’t need an arts degree to apply – but you should have an existing arts practice. Types of practice that are suitable would be writing, drawing, painting, sculpture, print, textiles, mixed media, photography, film and video.
This residency is not suitable for performing arts, theatre rehearsals, live music or very large works.
If you are unsure if your art practice is right for this residency you can call or email sascha.perfect@wcc.govt.nz or 021 971 186
We are looking for:
Projects that pitch a new idea you want to explore or expand on your existing work.
Projects that extend or develop your artistic practice
An artist currently residing in the Wellington Region* and intending to live in New Zealand for at least one year after they complete the residency.
Wellington Region* - based New Zealand citizens or permanent residents. You must have a current Wellington region address at the time of application. If you are shortlisted, you will be required to verify this address and your NZ residency status.
Assessment
An independent panel appointed by Toi Aro - including disabled people - will select the successful candidate.
The artists who has the best chance of being chosen will be able to show:
A clear idea of the aims of their art project
How they think this residency will give them good opportunities for the future
Terms And Conditions
If successful, you will be required to sign the Toi Aro Residency Agreement before any payments are made.
Access Info
The studio you will be given is on the mezzanine floor in the new Market Lane Building and does require the use of our lift to access. - the size of 5m x 2.7m, with a door 78cm wide.
Toi Aro is a wheelchair accessible venue.
Accessible toilets are available on all levels. There is a lift from the ground floor at reception.
You will be provided with an access card to the studio to access the building after reception hours.
If you have any questions about the studio or if you would like to visit Toi Aro in person and see the access before you apply, please get in touch with the Public Programmer – Sascha Perfect at sascha.perfect@wcc.govt.nz to arrange.
How To Apply
The following section explains what you need to provide as part of your application. You will upload your files to the OneDrive link provided.
Please get in touch if you need support with this.
You can include all the information in one PDF document (or video/audio file), or you can upload multiple files, please ensure that your name is included in all your file names.
Your application will include:
1. Application form
2. Short CV
3. Three images of your work (if relevant to your work)
4. Links to websites/video sharing platforms/online written material (optional)
Application Content
Your application will include the following information. You could respond in a video/audio file if you prefer.
Contact information
Including name
Email address
phone number, and preferred method of contact.
Responses to Application Prompts
Including an artistic statement
Name of mentor
Concept for your work
Timeline, brief week by week work plan
Statement about potential outcomes of the residency and what this opportunity would mean to you.
Statement outlining how your project aligns with the Aho Tini, Wellington City Council’s Arts, Culture and Creativity Strategy. To complete this, please use the questions related to the strategy listed on the application form.
Deadline
Applications close – 5pm, Tuesday 15 September, 2026
Checklist
Before you upload your application, check that it includes:
Contact information
Responses to application prompts
Any relevant links
Three images of your work (if relevant to your work)
CV
Contact us
Sascha Perfect (she/her)
Public Programmer – Toi Aro
Sascha.perfect@wcc.govt.nz
021 971 186
FAQs: Frequently asked Questions
What is this residency?
A residency is where you – the artist – are given a space at Toi Aro to make your work. You become an Artist-in-Residence here. We welcome you to use our space as your own – we want to make you feel like part of the Toi Aro community.
What sort of art?
Toi Aro Residency Studio. We think this residency is suitable for 2D and 3D artworks – image or object based. This might include:
writing
drawing
painting
sculpture
print
textiles
mixed media
photography
film video
This studio is not suitable for: performing arts, theatre rehearsals, live music or very large works.
Contact our Public Programmer to discuss if you are unsure.
‘I need support’
You can have a friend of family member assist you in completing this application.
Our Public Programmer at Toi Aro is happy to chat with you about your application and answer any questions you may have. They can also assist you to fill out the application form.
You are welcome to contact Arts Access Aotearoa for further advice and support.
Why we use the language ‘d/Deaf and disabled’
d/Deaf
We use this to be inclusive for those who identify as Deaf with their own languages and those with a hearing diagnosis or who are hard of hearing. – we are using the same language used in the Aho Tini 2030 strategy.
and disabled
We talk about disabled people – people who have been disabled by society. This is in line with Office for Disability Issues and the New Zealand Disability Strategy.
Why this program?
Our aim for this residency is to increase opportunities for d/Deaf and disabled artists and increasing their visibility. We are committed to improving access here at Toi Aro and the aims of the Aho Tini 2030 strategy
Download Application Form
Application Form (Word version)
Submitting your application
Upload your files to the OneDrive Folder.
Please include your own name in the file name.
If you have any questions regarding this opportunity, or if you need any assistance completing your application, please contact the Toi Aro Public Programmer. We can either help you directly or pay someone else qualified to assist you.
