Expressions of Interest
We are looking for Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from visual artists, performers, writers, poets, musicians and other creatives. The EOIs will contribute to our programming, including exhibitions, residencies and public programmes.
Our mission at Blue Oyster is to support emerging artists to create experimental artwork in a non-commercial space. Both terms ‘emerging’ and ‘experimental’ are strange words, so here’s what we think of when we use them:
Emerging: This is an elastic term and is highly dependent on how you self-describe. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us!
Experimental: Artwork which pushes the boundaries of the artist's practice.
The open call is ongoing, however to be considered for the 2026 programme, please submit your Expression of Interest to director@blueoyster.org.nz by 11:59 pm on Sunday the 30th of November.
We will confirm we have received your EOI within one week.
What to Include in Your EOI:
To express interest, please send one PDF (or a link to a google doc) of:
- Images of 5-8 examples of your work
- Brief explanation of what you make, how you make it and why (max. 777 words)
- Artist CV (1 page)
You are also welcome to include:
- Brief description of what kind of exhibition, research, writing, or public programme you are interested in making (max. 666 words)
- Brief explanation of your preferred working methodology (max. 555 words)
If writing isn't your forte, you are welcome to schedule a quick fire 30 minute hui or zui to speak to your work instead.
Please email director@blueoyster.org.nz your PDF, Google Doc link or to arrange a time to meet!
Please note, downloadable resources (information pack and gallery floorplan) are available at the bottom of this webpage.
About our Programme
The curatorial flavour of the gallery is conversational and playful. We are committed to working in productive and positive ways, where we honour relationships and explore the possibilities of how artists and arts workers can create exhibitions together.
Our exhibition space is conceptually changing! We are shifting to having a fluid response to the space, with two distinct exhibitions running simultaneously. How this will manifest will be contextual and dependent on the needs of each exhibition. The emphasis is on utilizing the space to its full capacity and curating curious and beautiful exhibitions which uplift our spirits and are feasts for the eyes and mind.
Our public programmes are created in collaboration with exhibiting artists and other creatives. Usually there are 1-3 events per exhibition, depending on the funding available. For recent examples, see He Hokinga Mahara (Artist Talk and Story Time) and Disposable Gestures (BAD HYGIENE ZINE WORKSHOP, Dinner and a Show and An Information Soaked Talk to Clean Your Braincells).
About the Summer Residency
The Caselberg Summer Residency is generously supported by Caselberg Trust, who provide accommodation and studio space at Caselberg House, Broad Bay, Ōtepoti Dunedin. The selected applicant will also receive travel support, a stipend, and a materials/research budget. The residency is expected to take place in a three-week block during January 2026. The selected artist will also be offered an exhibition at Blue Oyster, scheduled to open in October 2026.
About our Space
We are shifting from having a standardised gallery space, and looking at how we can activate the entirety of the gallery, library, amenities and office. We welcome expressions of interest from people who are keen to work collaboratively to create dynamic and curious spaces in the gallery.
The floor is wooden floorboards, and we do not have track lighting. We have equipment to support technical installations and will work with artists to realise the best exhibition design for their artwork. There is a large window at the front of the gallery.
Please see the downloadable resource for the gallery floorplan.
What we Offer
We provide artist fees in line with the recommendations of Art Makers Aotearoa and a contribution for material costs. We also contribute to travel costs for artists living outside of Ōtepoti. We provide curatorial support, public programme facilitation, promotion of the exhibition and other supports commonly provided by small-scale institutional public galleries.