The Crucible Artist Residency

Crucible Artist Residency

Our selection criteria and residency timeline are currently being finalised. Please return for more information from the beginning of April 2025.

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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:

Develop their creative practices, independently or in collaborations between artists, and the skilled craftsmen we have here at Gillies.
Connect with the vibrant arts community, and wider Waitaki District, through the experience.
Develop a body of work with opportunity for an exhibition at the culmination of the residency.

The Context

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. Adjacent gallery spaces provide a variety of exhibition contexts for artist residents to share a body of work created. 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 Ōamaru Mail, Waitaki Dairy Company, Northern Engineering Company, a grain store and a butchery.

The 2025/2026 Crucible Artist Residency

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Background

The Hynds Foundation was established in 2017 to channel the philanthropic efforts of our 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.

We are delighted to offer the programme to a new cohort of residents in 2025.

Our selection criteria and residency timeline are currently being finalised. Please return for more information from the beginning of April.

Updates

Making of the Crucible Art Studios

Watch as the Gillies MetalTech foundry technicians meticulously create a sign for the home of the Crucible Artist Residency.

Crucible welcomes two new artist residents

The Crucible Artist Residency pilot programme moves into its second phase, with two new artists, John Ward Knox and Motoko Kikkawa, commencing 16-week residencies from 10 February. (Pictured above: John,…

Heat and flow leads to transformation

I have made bones, ribs that hold feelings, pointing and holding through space in ancient iron. They are heavy, and the moment of their melting is no longer visible. The…

Ōamaru diatoms’ beauty forever cast

Karen Aitken was the inaugural Crucible Artist Resident. This is her exhibition statement. Ferrous and Siliceous is a collection of cast iron and ceramic pieces that explores the microscopic world…

View All Our Updates for Artist Residency

Apply for the Crucible Artist Residency

Applicant Name*

Contact Phone*

Contact Email*

Address*

Biography (500 words max)*

Your CV (art qualifications, exhibitions, events, creative highlights)* Upload a file or drag and drop. up to 10MB

Two letters of reference (provide two written references saved as PDF. Please ensure there is an email and phone contact for the referee included in the letter.) 1st Letter of Reference No file chosen

2nd Letter of Reference No file chosen

Examples of work (PDF showing up to 10 quality images (one per page) or video link to recent digital work.)* Upload a file or drag and drop. up to 10MB

Proposal of work (to be undertaken through the residency and the outcome aligned with your goals. 1000 words max)* Upload a file or drag and drop. up to 10MB

Accommodation

During the residency, I will require accommodation

During the residency, I may like to use the following areas/equipment (tick any that apply):

Woodworking

Sandcasting in cast iron

Plastic coating

Metal and fiberglass capabilities

Machining

Incorporate existing original foundry patterns into an artwork

HP Name

Once you have submitted your application, an email will be sent confirming it has been received, and a further email with a copy of your application.

For support with our form or further information, please email us

crucible@gilliesmetaltech.co.nz