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Crucible Artist Residency

The Hynds Foundation, in collaboration with the Gillies Metaltech Foundry, seeks to support artists to develop their creative practices through a unique residency programme.

Located within the Historic Precinct of Ōamaru, and in an industrial context, artists are invited to:

  • Develop their creative practices, independently or in collaborations between artists, and the skilled Gillies craftsmen.
  • Connect with the vibrant Waitaki District arts community through the experience.
  • Develop new work and share it with the public through an exhibition.

The residency offers:

  • A stipend of $650 gross per week for a 13-week residency period. An exhibition of the body of work created will be held over the Victorian Weekend celebrations (12-15 November). In the final week of the residency, artists may wish to complete works and extend connections in the local community.
  • Crucible Gallery spaces for an exhibition. The two artist residents come to an agreement on gallery space utilisation and plan their own curation.
  • Local accommodation is included and we aim for this to be within walking distance of the foundry.
  • Transport costs are the artist’s responsibility.
  • An allowance of $5000 per artist for materials and technical support, which includes exhibition setup. When this level is reached, artists will be charged a full commercial rate.
  • Each artist will be encouraged to make their own pattern and is expected to do some casting and finishing activity. Ductile iron and cast iron are currently available.

Key dates for 2026 are as follows.

Monday, 24 August - Sunday 22 November: Residency period.

Friday, 13 March: The application process opens, inviting a proposal, CV, and letters of recommendation. An application form will be provided.

Friday, 10 April 2026 at 4pm: Applications close.

Date in May to be confirmed: Shortlist interviews.

 

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The Context

The artist residents are based in the Crucible Art Studios, which have been developed in the former foundry Pattern Shop. Light-filled and spacious, it's a place where Pattern Makers have used traditional woodworking skills to meticulously craft patterns, from which moulds would be made, ready to receive molten metal.

In addition to their studio, adjacent gallery spaces provide a variety of contexts where artist residents may choose to share work and connect with new audiences.

The opportunity to work alongside foundry technicians is another unique aspect of the programme context.

The site has been home of the Gillies MetalTech foundry since 1924, and its industrious past includes the location of the Northern Engineering Company, the Ōamaru Mail, a grain store and a butchery.

The 2025/2026 Crucible Artist Residency

 

 

Updates

Motoko Waitaki App

Many hours in the making!

Video and a gallery of stills gives insight of key steps in the process from pattern to product. Please also see our video of the Making of the Sign. Photo…
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Apply for the Crucible Artist Residency

        Accommodation
        During the residency, I may like to use the following areas/equipment (tick any that apply):
        Once you have submitted your application, an email will be sent confirming it has been received, and a further email with a copy of your application.

        For support with our form or further information, please email us