Crucible Art Studios and Gallery
An album that helps to show amenities available for the Crucible Artist Residents. Clockwise from top left to right: 1. Crucible Gallery 1906 – home of the Ōamaru Mail. 2.…
The Hynds Foundation, in collaboration with the Gillies MetalTech Foundry, seeks to support artists to develop their creative practices through a unique residency programme. Located within the Historic Precinct of Ōamaru, and in an industrial context, artists are invited to:
The artist residents are based in the Crucible Art Studios, which have been developed in the former foundry Pattern Shop. Light-filled and spacious, it's a place where Pattern Makers have used traditional woodworking skills to meticulously craft patterns, from which moulds would be made, ready to receive molten metal.
In addition to their studio, adjacent gallery spaces provide a variety of contexts where artist residents may choose to share work and connect with new audiences.
The opportunity to work alongside foundry technicians is another unique aspect of the programme context.
The site has been home of the Gillies MetalTech foundry since 1924, and its industrious past includes the location of the Northern Engineering Company, the Ōamaru Mail, a grain store and a butchery.
The Hynds Foundation was established in 2017 to channel the philanthropic efforts of the Hynds businesses, ensuring that we give back to the communities that have supported us throughout the years. Each of our companies contributes annually to the Foundation, which is overseen by six trustees, all Hynds family members. Founders John and Léonie Hynds chose New Zealand Arts and Culture as a first pillar for support. This was followed by Health, Education, Community Wellbeing, and most recently, Environmental Sustainability.
The Crucible Artist Residency programme began as an idea some years ago when the Hynds acquired Gillies MetalTech. The programme was piloted in 2024/2025. Through the pilot, we learnt about the opportunities of the programme and needs of artists with different practices. You can read more about their experiences in our Programme Updates below.
We are delighted to offer the programme to a new cohort of residents in 2025.
To apply, please download and complete our form:
Crucible Artist Residency Application Form 2025 Final.
