Call for proposals
Forrester Gallery & Mahika Kai Mahika Toi invites exhibition proposals for the 2027 exhibition programme. We are seeking engaging and experimental kā mahi toi that reflect our diverse arts ecology in te rohe o Waitaki. This callout is split into two separate categories – ‘community’ and ‘general’.
• Our community gallery programme allows early career artists living locally to develop and exhibit their work in a regional public art gallery.
• Our general callout is open to anyone wanting to exhibit (individually or within a group) in our ground-floor Tarapirohe side gallery in 2027.
You can apply to both if you live in the Waitaki district, or the general callout if living further afield.
More information on how to apply will be available via our ‘Culture Waitaki’ website and social media accounts in the coming days. One-on-one information sessions in person or online, and any questions can be arranged with gallery curator Anna McLean – amclean@waitaki.govt.nz
We want to make this callout as inclusive and accessible as possible, so please do let us know if any barriers may provide difficulties through this process.
Please note we are unable to cover international freight costs but encourage moving image submissions from internationally based artists.
Community callout
Our community gallery programme provides a unique opportunity to develop an exhibition for our Kakī gallery. If successful, your exhibition will run for around 8 weeks with the added option of public programming and events throughout its duration.
We have hosted a variety of exhibitions that have provided a necessary platform for local artists to work within a regional public art gallery environment, creating a stepping stone for added opportunities within the arts sector.
We are grateful for the relationships that have grown from this programme, and we are more than happy to offer our support beyond the exhibition’s lifetime. The gallery hire fee of $200 will be covered in this case. For future slots, the Creative Communities fund and other funding avenues are available to artists.
Suggested submission checklist for ‘community’ callout:
• An outline of your intended project or exhibition (written approx. 500 words, audio max 5 mins)
• Any visual imagery relevant to your submission (optional)
• Please label all files/email attachments with your artist or group name
** You’re welcome to reference the ‘general’ checklist below if you would like to add additional information to your submission
Please email proposal submissions to gallery@waitaki.govt.nz with ‘community’ as the subject line before the deadline of Friday 31 July 10pm
Opens Wednesday 1 July 2026
Closes Friday 31 July 2026 10pm
We will communicate outcomes with all applicants by Friday 21 August 2026
General Callout
Our general callout is open to anyone wanting to exhibit in our Tarapirohe gallery for a duration of around 12 weeks in 2027. We are happy to work with artists(s) to develop ideas or to present an existing body of work. This call is open to anyone wanting to exhibit with us, from early to mid-career to established – we are open to all ideas, mediums, or interests.
We welcome anything unexpected that might open up new ways of thinking for our local audiences. We host a diverse range of exhibitions that respect our commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and reflect all voices within our Waitaki community. An artist fee of $1000 will be provided, with exhibition costs determined fairly between successful applicant(s) and the gallery team.
Suggested submission checklist for ‘general’ callout:
• An outline of your intended project or exhibition (written approx. 500 words, audio max 5 mins)
• Any visual imagery relevant to your submission (optional)
• Examples of previous work (optional)
• A brief artist biography or CV (optional)
• A budget of associated costs (optional, we refer to the Artmakers Aotearoa guideline for artist fees when appropriate - Artists’ Fees — artsmakersaotearoa (Additional funding may be available)
• Any specific installation or technical considerations (optional)
• Please label all files/email attachments with your artist or group name
Please email proposal submissions to gallery@waitaki.govt.nz with ‘general’ as the subject line before the deadline of Friday 31 July 10pm