Objectspace is delighted to stage our second writing workshop, which will be mentored by established art writer Tessa Laird. This workshop provides the opportunity for selected emerging and established craft and design writers to hear about Tessa’s approach to writing, receive practical feedback on texts that are in development, participate in writing exercises and build relationships with other art writers. The workshop will take place18-19 January 2014, 10am - 4pm.

To apply to take part in the workshop, please send a proposal including the following information:

• Your name and contact details.
• A brief description of a short text (around 500 words) in development that you will bring to the workshop. These texts can be (but are not limited to) reviews, essays, or pieces for larger writing projects.
• Your specific goals for the workshop experience.
• A brief description of your involvement in the fields of craft, design and applied arts.
• Confirmation that you can attend both days of the workshop.

Applications due Tuesday 10 December.  

Please either email your application to ioana@objectspace.org.nz or post it to Objectspace, PO Box 68-762 Newton, Auckland 1145.

Selections will be confirmed by 15 December 2013. Objectspace aims to provide opportunities for writers working within the fields of craft, design and applied arts, and so eligibility is given to writing projects that will contribute to discourse in these fields.

Please note that is attendance is free. Catered lunches, desks and internet access will be provided.  Participants will need to bring their own laptops or writing materials.

Tessa Laird is a writer, artist and lecturer, who recently earned her Doctorate of Fine Arts at the University of Auckland, with the exhibition and thesis Sheshnag's Coloured Canopy: The Rainbow and the Kaleidoscope as Metaphor and Method. Her book on colour, A Rainbow Reader, was recently released through Clouds Publishing. Tessa has been a regular art columnist for the New Zealand Listener, and has written a number of catalogue essays, as well as contributing regularly to art magazines such as Art and Australia and Art New Zealand.

For nine years Tessa taught on the Contextual Studies programme at the Manukau School of Visual Arts, and she currently lectures at the Elam School of Fine Arts. Tessa’s history includes the co-founding and editing of magazines Monica Reviews Art and Log Illustrated, as well as being the director of The Physics Room in 1997-1998.

Recent exhibitions include Reading Room with Peter Lange at Objectspace, Auckland, Chupacabra Candelabra at Melanie Roger Gallery, Auckland, and Freedom Farmers at the Auckland Art Gallery (current).