Works In Progress aims to facilitate conversations around the work of early-career artists focused on developing their practice, both creatively and professionally. Drawing on the format of the critique or the studio visit, these conversations will be structured around each artist and can relate, for example, to a particular work or body of work, a professional skill they are wishing to develop, experimentation or creative growth, community and connection, building confidence and artistic clarity. The content of the mentorship will differ depending on the artist’s needs.

Over a 5-month period (August-December 2026) six artists will receive 4x one-to-one mentoring sessions, participate in 1x group session and 1x final critique and showing (in-person and online options).

We are pleased to announce the following Parehuia alumni as our mentors:

Dan Arps
Martin Basher
Ana Iti
Sefton Rani
Tiffany Singh
Sarah Smuts-Kennedy 

 

Further information about the programme structure:

1. One-to-One Mentoring
4x monthly session (in-person or online, August-December)
Focus:
- Practice development
- Professional strategy
- Long- and short-term goals

2. Group Session
1x online group session (Thursday 15 October, tentative)
Including invited sector experts
Focus:
- Cross dialogue rather than only individual critique
- Peer-to-peer engagement
- Curating and writing
- Preparation for final showing and critique

3. Final Showing and Critique
1x end of programme showing and critique session (Thursday 3 December, tentative, location TBC)
Focus:
- “A sharing moment” rather than a curated exhibition
- Informal showing, presentation or installation
- Group critique session
- Opportunity to share feedback

1. Applicants must be New Zealand citizens or permanent residents of New Zealand at the time of entry.

2. Applicants must be able to commit to the 5-month mentor programme (see Structure above).

3. Works in Progress is designed for early-career artists working across the visual arts disciplines. Early-career is defined as an artist who has graduated in the last 5 years from tertiary providers in Aotearoa and show a commitment to their practice. Tertiary providers include universities, polytechnics, wānanga, art schools, or other formal training providers.

1. Applications will be assessed by the 6 selected mentors.

2. A short list of applicants will be asked to take part in a brief online discussion with the McCahon House team prior to the final decision being made.

3. Assignment of artists to their mentors will be finalised by the McCahon House team in conjunction with the mentors.

4. Selection decisions and mentor assignment will be final.

 

Applications close 4pm Wednesday 17 June

Successful applicants will be notified mid-July for the programme to begin in early August.

Please read the requirements carefully as it is important that participating artists are committed and have the capacity to engage with the programme in full.

If you would like to discuss your application or require any assistance regarding the process please contact:

Tamara Rakich (Operations Manager)
tamara@mccahonhouse.org.nz

Please provide the following in support of your application:

4. Answer the following two questions. Up to 400 words each.