Ed Ritchie Awarded Inaugural Iris Fisher Artist Studio Residency

Contemporary artist Ed Ritchie has been named the first recipient of the Iris Fisher Artist Studio Residency at Te Tuhi in Pakuranga, East Auckland. This prestigious opportunity will allow Ritchie to spend three months developing new work in the Papatūnga Artist Studio, supported by a stipend of $15,000 and mentorship from the Te Tuhi team.

Expressing his enthusiasm for the residency, Ritchie stated, “I’m super excited to be awarded the Iris Fisher Artist Studio Residency. Dedicated and supported studio time is such a rare gift to be given, and I can’t wait to spend it in Tāmaki Makaurau, hopefully building some relationships while I’m there.” Ritchie, who is based in Dunedin, is known for his installation-based practice that explores the often invisible infrastructures surrounding us, responding to various architectural, social, and spatial contexts.

Significance of the Residency

Te Tuhi curator Suzy Park believes Ritchie’s site-specific approach will thrive in Pakuranga, particularly as he is not familiar with Auckland’s context. “We believe this opportunity will serve as a meaningful turning point in Ritchie’s artistic trajectory. It will enable him to connect with new communities and contexts, and to participate in a broader artistic conversation that could shape the next phase of his work,” Park noted.

The Iris Fisher Artist Studio Residency is part of a legacy established by Iris Fisher, who significantly contributed to contemporary art in New Zealand. Fisher was the founding president of the Pakuranga Arts Society in 1969 and played a crucial role in developing the local arts scene, which includes the Pakuranga Cultural and Community Centre and the Iris Fisher Gallery.

The Lou and Iris Fisher Charitable Trust is supporting the residency for the next three years, tripling previous financial support. According to Stephen Fisher, representing the Trust, “It’s incredibly meaningful to see the Iris Fisher Artist Studio Residency come to life. Iris believed deeply in supporting emerging artists and creating opportunities for them to grow.”

A Legacy of Support for Artists

Since the launch of the Iris Fisher Art Awards in 1981, the Fisher family has consistently championed emerging artists across New Zealand. The establishment of the Iris Fisher Artist Studio Residency marks a new chapter in this ongoing commitment. The gallery stated, “This transformative investment reflects the values that guided Fisher’s life, being community, creative opportunity, and building the conditions for artists to thrive.”

Ritchie, who completed a Bachelor of Visual Arts (Hons) in 2017 at the Dunedin School of Art, is excited to leverage this residency to further his artistic exploration. He has previously exhibited in various cities, including Christchurch, Dunedin, and Wellington, and his work continues to engage with the complexities of contemporary life.

The Iris Fisher Artist Studio Residency represents not only a significant opportunity for Ritchie but also an important milestone in the support of the arts in New Zealand, reinforcing the legacy of a pioneer in the arts community.