Open Call | Spotlight on New Zealand

ASEF culture360 invites contributors to highlight the depth and diversity of New Zealand's arts and culture sector!

In 2025, ASEF culture360 will spotlight New Zealand, as part of its ongoing goals to facilitate the visibility of cultural activities of its 51 Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) member countries.

We invite individual researchers, arts organisations, cultural networks and government agencies based in New Zealand to work with us to map the local arts ecosystem.

Why New Zealand?

As one of the most diverse countries with a history of indigenous, European and Asian influence, how well do we know the arts and cultural sector of New Zealand?

How can artists and cultural professionals in New Zealand engage with counterparts in Asia and Europe and vice versa?

Through this open call, ASEF culture360 aims to help our audiences gain further insights of New Zealand’s arts sector.

Pitching to culture360.ASEF.org

You may submit up to 2 proposals under the following themes:

1. Mapping New Zealand’s arts and cultural sector

What is the state of New Zealand’s arts and cultural sector? What are some key trends and challenges that shape the sector? Who are some of the key arts organisations, institutions and professionals?

We are looking to map the arts and cultural ecosystem in New Zealand. Methods may include conducting desk research, leading surveys and interviews, to provide an overview of the sectoral needs, growth, strengths, opportunities and challenges, especially in connecting regionally and internationally with other ASEM member countries.

2. Green Guide Series: Creative Responses to Sustainability

Help us continue our Green Guide series with inspiring initiatives connecting arts and environmental sustainability in New Zealand.

Since 2015, ASEF culture360 has worked with several researchers to produce country-specific guides, looking at the most pioneering arts organisations responding to issues of sustainability and climate change through their artistic practices.

3. Mobility Funding Guide: New Zealand

Since 2012, ASEF culture360 and On the Move (OTM) have jointly presented the Mobility Funding Guides for International Cultural Exchange for the 51 ASEM member countries.

These guides provide a comprehensive and updated list of funding opportunities for the cultural mobility of artists and cultural practitioners in Asia and Europe.

Help us identify funding bodies and programmes that support the cultural exchange of artists and cultural professionals in and out of New Zealand.

Who can apply?

We welcome proposals from:

Independent writers and researchers must be a national of an ASEM member country and have proven knowledge of New Zealand. Preference will be given to researchers based in New Zealand.
Public cultural institutions, not-for-profit arts organisations, cultural networks, and government agencies working in the creative industries, cultural policy, art and environment, cultural mobility and more are also welcome to apply. Preference will be given to New Zealand based arts organisations.
A strong and broad knowledge of the arts and culture sector in New Zealand is required
Proven experience as an arts and culture writer, researcher and/or contributing editor to publications or platforms specialising in arts and culture will be an advantage
Excellent command of written and verbal English