Opportunities

This page lists a range of opportunities, including applications for funding, job vacancies, conferences, workshops, exhibition opportunities, promotional opportunities, competitions and artist residencies. Please email Iona if you would like your opportunity listed here.

Call for entries: Kiingi Tuheitia Portraiture Award

The Kiingi Tuheitia Portraiture Award provides young Māori artists with the opportunity to showcase their talents on the national stage, while also playing an important role in recording and celebrating tūpuna (ancestors) and their stories. The Award culminates with an exhibition of finalist artworks at The New Zealand Portrait Gallery Te Pūkenga Whakaata in Wellington over a three-month period, timed to coincide with Matariki. Entries close 20 March 2025. Visit The Big Idea website for more info and to apply

Call for applications: Trans-Tasman dance exchange residency

Wellesley Studios (Auckland) and Dancehouse (Melbourne) have announced a new  residency fostering exchange and collaboration between independent dance artists in Aotearoa New Zealand and Australia between 2025 and 2027. Annually, each organisation will host an international artist from the other country for a two-week residency. Dancehouse will host an artists from New Zealand, and Wellesley Studios will host an artist from Australia. Expressions of Interest close at 11.59pm Sunday 9 March 2025. Visit the Big Idea website for more info

Calling filmmakers, storytellers and creatives

The Focus on Ability Short Film Festival 2025 is now accepting entries. This international festival shines a spotlight on the abilities, achievements and strengths of people with disabilities, creating a space where talent and inclusion take centre stage. Not only will you be contributing to greater representation and awareness but there’s also $100,000 in cash and prizes. Entries must be under five  minutes and centred around a disability theme. No entry fee required. Whether you're a seasoned filmmaker or someone with a story to tell, this is your moment. Deadline: 1 July 2025. Need inspiration? Check out past films and get ready to share your vision with the world. For more information, visit the Festival website.

Festivals Commissioning and Presentation Fund

Performing Arts Network New Zealand (PANNZ) is calling for expressions of interest from artists and arts organisations in Aotearoa to its Festivals Commissioning and Presentation Fund. The Fund will support high-quality, new and/or reimagined work by New Zealand artists to be created and presented in Aotearoa by New Zealand festivals and other consortium presenting partners. Curatorial decisions for the Fund will be made in partnership with festivals. PANNZ will work alongside festivals as commissioners and/or presenters and to select work through an EoI process. The deadline for submissions is midnight Sunday 16 February 2025. For more info and to apply 

Performing Arts Foundation of Wellington

The Performing Arts Foundation of Wellington  provides financial support to performing arts projects and productions across the Wellington Region (Wellington City through to Porirua and Upper Hutt). It’s focused on supporting projects that engage children/youth and diverse communities with the performing arts, either as performers or audiences. The foundation receives its funding from a $1.50 levy included in every ticket purchased for St James Theatre and The Opera House. Venues Wellington, a subsidiary of WellingtonNZ, operates these venues and administers the grants. It accepts applications from individuals and groups/organisations involved in the performing arts rather than venues. There are four application rounds per year For more info and to apply, visit the WellingtonNZ website

Call for entries to WOW 2025

The WOW Competition 2025 is now accepting entries. In 2025, the section themes will be Air, Neon, and Myths & Legends, alongside the annual sections of Aotearoa, Open and Avant-Garde. It’s open to anyone over the age of 18, from anywhere in the world. Individuals or teams of two or three designers are permitted. For international designers, the deadline is 20 February 2025. For New Zealand designers, the deadline is 9 April 2025. For more information and conditions, please view key dates and deadlines.

Grants for peer support training

Careerforce is offering a Grant for Peer Support Level 4 Apprenticeship Training, valued at $2000 and $700. A recent government inquiry into mental health and addiction in New Zealand, proposed the development of a resilient, diverse, skilled and sustainable workforce that accurately reflects the communities it serves. Careerforce wants to strengthen the voice of people with lived experiences within the workforce, and support the growth and development of peer support workers. There are limited grants available from now until 30 June 2026. Visit the Careerforce website for more information. Please get in touch with Charlie Stanworth-Miller for any enquiries (E: Charlie.Stanworth-Miller@careerforce.org.nz T: 027 323 6746).