Emily Hartley-Skudder Unveils History of Ladies Rest for Art Prize

Multi-media artist Emily Hartley-Skudder has been awarded the inaugural $40,000 Fair Trust Art Prize, an initiative aimed at fostering artistic expression in Manawatū. The prize, funded by the Estate of Dr. Eileen Fair, will support Hartley-Skudder in exploring the history and significance of the “Ladies Rest” restroom located in Te Marae o Hine / The Square, Palmerston North.

Hartley-Skudder’s exhibition will open at Te Manawa Art Gallery and Museum in August 2026. The artist intends to delve into the complex narratives surrounding this everyday convenience, examining its historical, architectural, and social dimensions.

“Researching the Ladies Rest space allows me to highlight the value of ordinary, public, and private spaces in society,” Hartley-Skudder explained. “I want to encourage audiences to contemplate what a safe space to rest truly means.”

This project aligns with the vision of Dr. Eileen Fair, who passed away in 2024. The estate, now a charitable trust, aims to enhance the contemporary arts scene in Manawatū by attracting top artists to the region. Sian van Dyk, the Senior Manager of Curatorial & Collections at Te Manawa, emphasized the importance of this collaboration, stating, “Dr. Fair wanted to create opportunities for established artists to produce new work, making high-quality art accessible to the people of Manawatū.”

Dr. Fair, a distinguished scientist and businesswoman with a passion for the arts, established a formidable collection of New Zealand artworks and supported various cultural initiatives. Her contributions included facilitating the donation for the James Fair wing of Te Manawa Art Gallery and backing the Palmerston North Public Sculpture Trust.

As part of her exhibition, Hartley-Skudder is also seeking donations of old bathroom furniture and Ralta products, inviting community participation in the art-making process. This engagement is a vital aspect of her project, aiming to foster connections between art and daily life.

Through this initiative, Hartley-Skudder and the Fair Trust Art Prize seek to challenge perceptions of public spaces and encourage reflection on their significance in contemporary society.