The Dan and Una Chan & Laywood and Joyce Chan Residency at Wai-te-ata Press

Kōrero mō te tūranga - About the role

The Dan and Una Chan & Laywood and Joyce Chan Residency at Wai-te-ata Press

Te Herenga Waka - Victoria University of Wellington is inviting applications for the Dan and Una Chan & Laywood and Joyce Chan Residency at Wai-te-ata Press, funded by the Chan Family Trust.

This one-month residency focuses on projects that enhance understandings of and engagement with Chinese Aotearoa, whether historical, social, cultural, literary or, more broadly, the fabrics of life such as gardens, buildings, foodways, etc. Projects need not be explicitly related to the set of Chinese character metal type owned by the Dominion Federation of New Zealand Chinese Commercial Growers and now on long-term loan to the Wai-te-ata Press | Studio of the Waters of Dawn | 曉水齋 but should make use of the rich Wellington-based archives of relevant materials and/or resident expertise.

During their residency, recipients will also be expected to participate in public-facing events related to their project, whether lecture, exhibition, screening, workshop, etc., meet the donor, and report to the donor on their project. The one-month residency can be undertaken between November 2026 and February 2027.

Ō pūmanawa - About you

This residency is open to individuals or groups of postgraduate students, artistic or creative practitioners, community members, visiting scholars, and other interested parties. The successful candidate/s will have proven research experience and propose a project that contributes to or enhances our understanding of Chinese Aotearoa.

Application documents required:

1. A project proposal (maximum 1 page or 750 words) that clearly relates to the focus of the residency, plus project budget and timeline.
2. A sample portfolio that demonstrates your previous research experience.
3. A CV of the lead researcher or group members.