Creative New Zealand calling for expressions of interest in Pasifika visual-storytelling programme

Creative New Zealand is thrilled to collaborate for the second time with globally renowned photojournalists from VII Academy to provide a world-class Pasifika photography programme.

Applications are now open to Pasifika photographers - and this time, the programme stretches across the Moana.

Developed through the Pacific Arts Strategy 2018-2023, this programme looks to build a legacy of visual orators in Aotearoa and the Pacific Islands.

Through Creative New Zealand's recently-announced partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade,(external link)this year the programme will be available to both Aotearoa-based applicants, and to those based in the Pacific Islands.

Facilitated by the world-renowned VII Academy,(external link)this 12-week programme will provide leadership and relationship opportunities for Pasifika creatives in the areas of photojournalism and storytelling.

Participants will develop methodological and practical tools for the research and production of photo essays suitable for publication in an editorial context of international quality. Once the programme is complete, participants will also be VII Academy Alumni - joining a global network of visual journalists and photographers.

There are a total of ten places available in the twelve-week programme, which will run from September to December 2022, with a total investment of $125,000.

Jonathan Austin, MFAT's Divisional Manager, Pacific Regional Division, says the new partnership with Creative New Zealand will support a number of projects.

"We are pleased to collaborate with Creative New Zealand on this initiative, as well as a number of ground-breaking creative projects, to reaffirm the role culture, creativity and the arts has in connecting Aotearoa New Zealand to, and with, the Pacific as people and place," says Jonathan.

The programme will again be led by VII Academy head tutor Christopher Morris - a multi-award-winning photojournalist who began his career as a documentary conflict photographer for TIME Magazine, and who has been credited with redefining political coverage in America during his years working at the White House.

Pasifika photographer Raymond Sagapolutele has been contracted to help to 'Teu Le Va' (adorn the space) between partners, with a focus on the wellbeing and support of participants.

New Zealander Andrew Reid Chairs the Board of the VII Foundation and is delighted to see the programme continue beyond its pilot.

"The VII Academy is excited to continue this collaboration with Creative New Zealand to support Pasifika photographers, both here in Aotearoa and across the Moana. New, precious stories will be captured and told because of this programme," says Andrew.

This programme aligns with the Pacific Arts Strategy 2018-2023, specifically the Tagata Pou, which looks to ensure Pasifika artists and arts practitioners are resourced to develop their practice and deliver outstanding work, and the Moana Pou - ensuring that Pacific arts are further enriched across Oceania and the globe.

Creative New Zealand's Senior Manager for Pacific Arts Makerita Urale says the organisation is thrilled to be able to extend this project to the Pacific Island nations.

"Last year's pilot project was so successful we were excited to do it again - and I'm so happy that our new partnership with MFAT will allow us to extend the reach of this opportunity across Te Moana-Nui-a-Kiva. This Photojournalism programme will help to ensure Pasifika creatives have access to global creative knowledge and skills," she says.

New Zealand-based applicants can fill out this form(external link)as an expression of interest and find more information about the selection process.

For Pacific Island-based creatives, Creative New Zealand is collaborating closely with New Zealand High Commissions in the Pacific, government agencies, and the extensive network of existing relationships it holds throughout Te Moana-Nui-a-Kiva. All artists will be paid equally via an artist stipend in New Zealand dollars.

See the incredible results from the previous year's programme:

Photography from Pasifika: New Digital Storytellers in Aotearoa - VII ACADEMY(external link)

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