A practical session for artists applying for funding, residencies, and exhibitions.
This session is designed to support early- to mid-career artists who want to gain confidence in writing for professional opportunities - from funding applications and residency proposals to exhibition pitches. It offers practical advice on how to write with clarity, purpose, and authenticity. We’ll unpack what curators, funders, and institutions actually look for - and how to shape your writing accordingly.
What to expect:
- How to approach proposals: structure, tone, and what to avoid
Clarifying the difference between artist statements, bios, and CVs
- Writing in your own voice without sounding overly academic
- Adapting your language for different readers - from gallery directors to community funders
- Interpreting briefs and funding calls: what’s between the lines
- Preparing visual support: selecting images, writing captions, adding links
Speakers:
Jenni Giblin has been fundraising for 20 years and has secured over $285 million for projects across New Zealand and internationally. She has led capital campaigns such as the MTG in Napier, Len Lye Centre, Forrester Gallery, Sarjeant Gallery, the Hawke's Bay Regional Sports Park Trust and the NZ Liberation Museum Te Arawhata in France. She works with arts organisations such as the McCahon Trust, the NZ Strings Quartet, NZ Portrait Gallery, Toitoi, Auckland War Memorial Museum and Te Manawa Museum.
Dr Emma Bugden is a writer, curator, and arts strategist with over two decades of experience in Aotearoa New Zealand’s creative sector. She currently serves as the Strategic Lead Creative Industries at Whanganui & Partners, where she played a key role in securing Whanganui’s designation as a UNESCO City of Design. Emma is also the Chairperson of the Blumhardt Foundation, an organisation dedicated to supporting and promoting the craft and object art sector in New Zealand. With a PhD in cultural policy and organisational management, Emma brings a deep understanding of the intersection between arts, policy, and community development. Her previous leadership roles include Director of ARTSPACE Aotearoa and Senior Curator at The Dowse Art Museum. Across her career, she has worked as a curator, consultant, editor, and judge, bringing both strategic insight and hands-on experience to her practice. Emma is widely respected for her thoughtful, connected approach to supporting creative communities and fostering sustainable growth in the arts and wider creative industries.
Facilitated by Elham Salari, Manager Audience & Learning, Te Whare Toi o Heretaunga – Hastings Art Gallery.
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