Art & creativity  |  18 Apr 2019

Critically acclaimed Kiwi musician Bic Runga will become the first artist-in-residence in Christchurch's historic Arts Centre since the earthquakes.

With two-thirds of the Arts Centre now restored, the Arts Centre has decided to reinstate the Creative Residencies programme it launched 20 years ago.

Bic Runga

Bic Runga is returning to her hometown as an artist in residence at the Christchurch Arts Centre.

Bic Runga, who is currently based in Auckland, will complete a two-part residency in a freshly restored and strengthened building in the Arts Centre. She will be in residence in April and May and then return for a week in July to hold workshops.

Bic Runga was made a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for her services to music in 2006 and inducted into the New Zealand Music Hall of Fame in 2016.

Bic says she is excited to return to her hometown to research and create new work and share her skills and expertise through song writing workshops.

“This residency is a wonderful chance for me to reconnect with my Ōtautahi roots and give back to a community that has been through so much.

“To be based in such a beautiful Aotearoa heritage landmark steeped in so much arts and cultural history and where many great creators have been before me is a real honour. I can’t wait to see the impact it’ll have on my song writing.’’

Arts Centre Chief Executive Philip Aldridge says it is a great privilege to have such an accomplished and well-respected artist to relaunch the Creative Residencies programme.

“For eight years the Arts Centre has been working to restore memories, so far reopening 15 buildings to enable spaces for creative endeavour to flourish once again. To be able to re-launch the valuable Creative Residencies programme with an artist as incredible as Bic is a huge milestone,’’ Mr Aldridge says.

“We’re looking forward to having her help enliven the Arts Centre and share her amazing matatu (skill) and mahi (work) with our community.’’