The Arts Centre have recently reinstated their Creative Residencies programme, nearly two decades after it was first launched and have announced that Kiwi songstress Bic Runga is the first participant.

There’s no denying that Bic is an authority figure in the New Zealand music scene having a wealth of accolades to her name including being made a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2006 and being inducted into the New Zealand Hall of Fame in 2016, so it is fitting that she complete a two-part residency in the strengthened and beautifully restored residency apartments.

As well as being in residence throughout April and May, she will return for a week in July to host workshops mentioning that “this residency is a wonderful chance for me to reconnect with my Otautahi roots and give back to a community that has been through so much.” She also hopes to share her skills and expertise through song-writing workshops.

Past residents include a broad and diverse range of local and international artists including Raewyn Hill (dance), UK’s Michael Brennand-Wood (visual arts), Zoe Roland (film) and Areta Wilkinson (visual arts/jewellery).

artscentre.org.nz