Call for proposals

Annual Autumn Exhibition March 2026

Established and emerging artists are invited to submit proposals to participate in our 13th Annual Autumn Exhibition which showcases the permanent collection and around 100 works for sale. 

We are interested in concepts for three-dimensional sculpture in all media suitable for outdoor exhibition; and participatory, socially-engaged or performance works; sound pieces and light works. All new and original work will be considered. Generally, we do not exhibit work that has recently been shown elsewhere, particularly locally, as we aim to offer our visitors a fresh exhibition. 

Dates

Proposals for the March 2026 exhibition are due by 10 October 2025. Proposals received before this date will be promptly reviewed and artists notified within a fortnight. All artists will be notified by 31 October 2025.

The programme team will consider the calibre, originality, appropriateness, and robustness of the concept and proposed materials for the purpose of the event. 

Works need to be finished and ready to install by mid-February 2026. Works remain in situ for the duration of the initial three-week exhibition period, and preferably until the end of April, while we are still actively marketing them and receiving good visitor numbers. In some cases, if unsold, works may remain for a longer period to receive continued exposure.

The purpose of Tai Tapu Sculpture Garden

  1. To enhance the cultural life of Canterbury by creating opportunities for people to experience contemporary sculpture in a native landscape, and

  2. To support New Zealand sculptors by providing a forum for the exhibition and sale of their work.

Proposals should include

  1. A brief description of the work – “the what” – including the inspiration, look and feel, and artist’s intention.

  2. A fuller description of the work within the context of New Zealand sculpture – “the why” – a paragraph is sufficient.

  3. A drawing(s), or progress photograph(s), if the work is already under construction.

  4. Details of materials, weight and dimensions – please check these are Height x Width x Depth, in mm.

  5. Details about installation requirements – does the work need a concrete foundation? Hole dug? Tree for support? Power? Shade? Full sun? Wide space? Proximity to water?

  6. Details about any technical assistance required – is a hiab/crane arm required? These are the artist’s expenses but may be shared between artists. How many people are required to install this work safely?

  7. Maintenance plan, if applicable, and health and safety considerations – ie. could the work be climbed? Does it have any sharp points? Does it require waxing or polishing before or during the exhibition?

  8. Ideas about how the work will engage audiences – help us to understand what this work is about and how you see people responding to it and interpreting it.

  9. How this work specifically responds to, or complements, Tai Tapu Sculpture Garden’s native environment and restoration work.

  10. Price of the work, incl. GST and commission payable to TSG (please enquire).

Download our Proposal Template to get started.

Please also include

  1. A short CV of up to 2 pages.

  2. A summary of your current practice.

  3. 4 to 10 digital images of previous work.

  4. Details of current representative dealer galleries, if applicable.

All applications will be acknowledged upon receipt. Thank you in advance.

Other details

Site visits prior to submission of a proposal are welcomed. Please contact us to make an appointment.

Artists will be responsible for the transportation and installation of their work to TSG and for deinstallation of unsold works.

Contact

All queries regarding proposals should be emailed to Curator:

Melissa Reimer 
e. taitapusculpturegarden@gmail.com 
p. 021 24 22 462