The hunt is on for talented young artists — of all genres — who want to be involved in next year’s Luma event in Queenstown.
Entries open this week for the Luma Emerging Artist Programme (Leap), first launched in 2019.
Coordinator Celine Van der Eecken says the programme helps identify the next wave of Kiwi talent and, in previous years, has helped sculptors, painters, photographers, songwriters and performers.
‘‘We are hugely proud of the programme and know the potential it has for expanding the audience they reach,’’ she says.
‘‘The Luma team can help artists realise their creative objectives, which also increases the cultural and artistic offerings we have as part of the annual light festival.’’
When it comes to applicants, nothing is ‘‘off the table’’.
Queenstown pianist, composer and singer Billie Carey was one of this year’s Leap performers, describing the experience as ‘‘hugely influential’’.
‘‘I’ve been part of the [Luma] family since my first piano performance in 2019.
‘‘However, [this] year, being fortunate to be chosen as part of the Leap programme was such a fantastic experience, a privilege and an honour.
‘‘The mentoring was so beneficial in my experience as an artist and how I fitted in to the Luma story.’’
Applications close at midnight on Friday, November 24, and the selection process will be complete within three weeks of that date.
Artists will be paired with professional mentors, with financial support also on offer for successful candidates.
To apply, or view selection criteria, visit shorturl.at/ntwJ5
Luma 2024 runs from May 30 to June 3.
