Blue Oyster AO HOU 2027 Offers Dunedin Artists a Funded Studio Residency and Exhibition
An artist-development commission with financial support
Blue Oyster Art Project Space in Ōtepoti Dunedin, New Zealand, is inviting applications for AO HOU, a small-group studio residency and subsequent exhibition in 2027. Three artists will be chosen for a shared space in which to develop new work. This is not a general exhibition opportunity based only on exposure: the organisers specify a weekly artist stipend, materials support and a further exhibition contribution.
Four-week studio residency
Selected artists share Blue Oyster’s gallery space as a working studio from **11 January to 5 February 2027**, with an open studio event planned during that period. The residency is intended to provide time to experiment, develop new ideas, meet other artists and receive curatorial support. Accommodation is not provided, which makes the programme practically suited to people living locally.
Actual financial breakdown
Each selected artist receives **NZ$500 per week for four weeks**, equivalent to **NZ$2,000** in residency stipend, plus a **NZ$500 contribution towards materials**. For the subsequent group exhibition the organiser offers an additional combined artist fee and materials contribution of **at least NZ$1,100**. The materials portions should not be described as pure personal earnings. Applicants should confirm any conditions and actual payment schedule before accepting.
Group exhibition and professional presentation
AO HOU artists will collaborate with the gallery team to prepare work for the Pearl Gallery. The organiser’s programme materials list exhibition development and installation dates in 2027, together with support for display and handling. The gallery provides curatorial input as the exhibition takes shape, rather than demanding a fully fixed finished proposal at the initial stage.
Eligibility is narrowly local
The opportunity is expressly restricted to artists **based in Ōtepoti Dunedin** who graduated in **2025** or will graduate during **2026**. Graduates from different tertiary education providers and art disciplines are welcome. Applicants elsewhere in New Zealand or overseas should not assume eligibility because the residency is described as an open expression of interest.
Application instructions and closing date
Expressions of interest close **Monday, 30 November 2026**. Applications may be made through the online form or by emailing the organiser with one PDF containing **five to seven images**, a biography of no more than 100 words, a description of artistic practice of up to 500 words and confirmation of availability. The organiser says it will notify applicants of outcomes by 7 December 2026.
About Blue Oyster
Founded in 1999 as an artist-run project space, Blue Oyster supports experimental contemporary practices in Dunedin. Its programme combines exhibitions, events, artists’ professional development and support for new approaches to producing and sharing creative work.
Official organiser and application sources
Organiser-supplied AO HOU conditions and application link: https://www.thebigidea.co.nz/opportunity/ao-hou-1025337
Blue Oyster Art Project Space: https://www.blueoyster.org.nz/
Important notice
This independent edited summary describes a regionally restricted artist opportunity. Confirm exact eligibility, residency dates, the allocation of stipend and materials funding, exhibition terms, access needs, intellectual property and closing date with the organiser before applying. Its latest official rules take priority over this reference article. Reviewed 12 November 2026.