McCahon House Offshore Pathways 2027: Six-Week Parehuia Residency for New Zealand Visual Artists
An additional 2027 McCahon House residency is open
McCahon House Trust is inviting applications for its Parehuia Artist Residency – Offshore Pathways 2027. Applications close at 4pm New Zealand time on Wednesday 28 October 2026. One established mid-career visual artist from Aotearoa New Zealand will spend six consecutive weeks at Parehuia in French Bay, Titirangi, with bespoke support for developing the international aspects of their artistic career. The proposed residence period is 13 September to 24 October 2027, subject to confirmation upon selection.
New Zealand citizenship or permanent residence is essential
Applicants must hold New Zealand citizenship or New Zealand permanent residence at the time of application. They may live in New Zealand or elsewhere, but they must be available to reside and work full-time at Parehuia for the complete residency. The award is for a mid-career visual artist with a sustained, demonstrably recognised practice, evidenced by exhibitions, critical writing, awards and a substantial body of work. The word 'Offshore' describes international professional networks; it does not mean the residency takes place abroad or that eligibility is global.
Six weeks of workspace, accommodation and stipend
The selected artist receives use of a furnished architect-designed two-bedroom house and attached studio, a monthly stipend, and ongoing support from the McCahon House team and Trust. The open-call page does not state the stipend amount, so no fixed cash award is asserted here. The tailored programme may introduce relevant international curators, artists and cultural professionals, provide mentoring, or commission critical writing that supports an artist's next steps.
What the resident must contribute
The programme expects a committed full-time period of research and artistic practice, not an immediately finished commissioned exhibition. A bespoke public or professional engagement event—such as an open studio, discussion, artist talk or workshop—is planned together with the resident. Applicants should be able to explain which international opportunities have already been explored, why the timing is important and how this six-week period can accelerate a realistic professional goal. Moving-image and digital artists should confirm that their proposed work fits the visual arts brief and available technical facilities.
Different from the existing standard 2027 residency
McCahon House has separately announced Matt Arbuckle and Christopher Ulutupu as recipients of its ordinary three-month Parehuia residencies for 2027. That does not mean this newly advertised Offshore Pathways application is closed: it is an additional six-week programme with an explicitly international professional-development purpose. Read the application form attached to the Offshore Pathways page, not an outdated form for the standard 12-week award.
An established residency organisation and transparent selection
McCahon House Trust maintains the legacy of New Zealand painter Colin McCahon through the McCahon House Museum and its Parehuia artist residencies. The residency is supported by Creative New Zealand Toi Aotearoa and the Trust's Tomorrow Group patrons; selection is entrusted to an independent panel drawn from visual arts professionals and alumni. Results are expected in early December 2026. Applicants should submit only through the Trust's official application route, retaining evidence of eligibility and professional practice.
Application checklist
Before 4pm on 28 October NZ time, check the application form for portfolio format, evidence of a substantial practice, citizenship or residence documents, proposed six-week attendance and any requirements about the artist's international relationships. Avoid treating the monthly stipend as a specified amount until it appears in binding award documentation.
Official announcement and application
https://mccahonhouse.org.nz/residency/parehuia-offshore-pathways