‘The Hatch’ will be getting a fresh new look under the curatorship and art direction of Shelley Meek, appointed to run the Raglan Arts Weekend emerging artist exhibition this year.
With over 25 years in Raglan’s art scene, Shelley brings extensive experience in curation, exhibition management, promotion and support of emerging artists. She co-founded the Jet Collective in 2001, has managed galleries and artist studios at the Studeo on Cross Street for many years, whilst developing her own practice as an artist alongside this.
Now she is encouraging all new artists to step out and join her this year.
“We’re looking for 15 emerging artists of any age to come forward and join us for a rewarding year of developing their art practice and gearing up to a supportive group exhibition over RAW,” says Shelley. “The application is simple and the only two requirements are that you identify with the emerging artist definition on our website, and that you live locally in the Whaingaroa area or have significant strong ties to the region. You won’t need a huge body of work either as it’s about helping you take that step into exhibitions,” she says.
The Hatch’, now in its fourth year, holds space for a diverse range of multimedia artists from photography, painting and illustration through to jewellery and ceramics. The 15 new artists work together in a highly supportive way through several group meet ups, discussions and coaching from longstanding artists over the year. The Opening Night becomes a milestone event and huge achievement for this group, followed by the 3-day group exhibition over RAW.
Last year, Whaingaroa’s talented Zasha Skye led The Hatch but has taken a break this year to focus on her own art journey, including a residency in Barcelona and her own group exhibition over RAW. RAW has also been lucky to have Caleb Osborne at the helm for two years bringing his creative mahi and vision to help establish the event.
“I was so excited when Shelley agreed to run The Hatch for us this year – lucky participants to have such a talented, experienced and connected wahine at the helm! Shelley has already had some great ideas of what we can do differently this year and I’m looking forward to seeing this fresh take on The Hatch this year,” says Nicky Brzeska who has been running RAW for 7 years.
RAW would like to thank Rangitahi Peninsula for their long-term partnership with RAW as without them, The Hatch would simply not be possible.
Applications for The Hatch can be sent to thehatch@raglanartscentre and close on 20 April. Unfortunately, no late applications will be accepted or considered. Visit RAW’s Emerging Artists page on www.raglanartsweekend.nz for application information.
