Scott Redding, director of New Zealand Glassworks.
Scott Redding, director of New Zealand Glassworks, will be raising his glass after being successful in receiving funding from Creative New Zealand for its much-anticipated 2024 internship programme.
NZG (New Zealand Glassworks), the national centre for art glass, is committed to nurturing the next generation of glass artists and fostering innovation in the field.
“The 10-month NZG Internship offers an incredible opportunity for graduates in glass and those aspiring to pursue a career in art glass to enhance their skills in a supportive and well-equipped professional environment,” says Redding.
The NZG Internship is an educational work placement that caters to those looking to gain hands-on experience in glassmaking and glass education, in addition to enhancing their own proficiency in a well-equipped glass facility.
The successful applicant will engage in a diverse range of roles, including that of a glass technician and glass teaching assistant. They will receive comprehensive training in the safe operation and maintenance of glassmaking equipment and will be involved in the daily operations of a busy glass facility.
The NZG Internship will run from February to December 2024. This opportunity is exclusively available to New Zealand citizens or individuals with New Zealand residency status.
As part of this extensive training, interns can anticipate a wide array of responsibilities, such as assisting professional glass artists, collaborating within a gallery setting, engaging in cold glass working, and managing industrial equipment use, maintenance, and health and safety. They will have the privilege of interacting with the general public and are thus encouraged to exhibit enthusiasm and passion for engaging with people.
Applicants are expected to possess a strong work ethic and be self-motivated. Interns will have the option to participate in classes as teaching assistants or students, depending on their areas of interest and abilities.
This internship is tailor-made for graduates of the UCOL art/glass programme or individuals with similar experience who have developed a certain level of skills and expertise but lack sustained exposure to a professional glass facility.
The grant, which was awarded in its entirety at $48,000, will fund the internship programme. NZG’s vision is to become the central hub for art glass practice in New Zealand, celebrated for innovation and excellence in the field. NZG aims to provide a platform for the community to explore all aspects of art glass, inspire and empower glass artists, and advocate for a sustainable sector.
The internship programme was born out of the need to bridge the gap between recent graduates and working glass artists. Art glass is a unique craft that requires substantial time and experience for emerging artists to establish themselves professionally. By offering an intensive programme that combines practical experience in a hot glass studio, mentoring from seasoned artists, and professional development training, NZG aims to empower interns to build resilient careers as confident and independent glass artists.
The selection panel for interns will comprise professional peers within the art glass sector, including the Director of New Zealand Glassworks (NZG), Dr Kathryn Wightman - artist and senior lecturer - of Glass and Visual Arts UCOL/Te Pūkenga; and Philip Stokes - master glass blower/artist. Their combined expertise will ensure a thorough and equitable evaluation of applicants based on the outlined criteria.
Scott Redding expressed his gratitude for the ongoing support of the Backhouse, NZSAG, and The Blumhardt Foundation, saying, “It’s third time lucky for the Glassworks and its internship programme. We were unsuccessful with two other funding applications in the last 12 months, but with the ongoing support of the Backhouse, NZSAG, and The Blumhardt Foundation, we were determined to keep applying and not give up on this important internship programme.
“With little to no education in glass blowing in the country now, NZ Glassworks needed to step up and fill the void. We are proud to offer the only long-term programme for any aspiring glass artist in the country.” He highlighted the importance of this programme in nurturing aspiring glass artists and ensuring the vitality of art glass in New Zealand.
This internship opportunity is a significant step towards fostering talent and innovation in the art glass sector. Full details including the application process and application form will be available through the NZ Glassworks Website on November 1.
■ New Zealand Glassworks Te Whare Tūhua O Te Ao (NZG) is the national centre for art glass, located in Whanganui. Established in 2015 by the Whanganui District Council, NZG offers a fully operational and high-standard hot glass facility, retail shop and gallery, in addition to supporting glass education at a tertiary level. NZG plays a vital role in promoting and advocating for the art glass sector in New Zealand.