Call for mentors – New Zealand Glassworks internship programme

Published on 19 January 2024

Glass artist at work

New Zealand Glassworks media release

New Zealand Glassworks (NZG) is seeking expressions of interest from skilled and experienced working glass artists with a passion and willingness to inspire the next generation of creative glass makers.

We intend to establish a pool of professionals who will mentor our two successful NZG interns for the period 26 February through to 20 December 2024.

In this inaugural year the NZG Internship will be a fantastic work placement in a supportive team environment for two emerging glass artists/graduates who are beginning their pursuit of a career in glass to develop their skills.

Interns will experience a variety of roles that will include exposure to and experience of all aspects of the operation of a busy glass facility with its public gallery and visitor experience. These will also include glass making assistant and glass teaching assistant, as well as training in the safe operation and maintenance of glassmaking equipment. All of this while being mentored in the development of their own glass art practice.

Mentors should have an established career and reputation as a glass artist. The mentor should have significant knowledge and skills in the safe operation of a hot shop and other aspects of glass art production; substantial experience of working as a professional glass artist; and an enthusiasm for passing on their knowledge, skills and experience to the next generation of artists.

The successful mentors will receive a stipend of $400 exclusive of GST per day for their work. The timetable of work will be finalised once the mentor pool has been assembled.

If you would like to pursue this wonderful opportunity and pass down your knowledge to inspire and educate our interns in glass, please email your expression of interest with a brief CV to pete.gray@whanganui.govt.nz by 9am on Monday 29 January 2024.

New Zealand Glassworks is an activity of Whanganui District Council and the New Zealand Glassworks Internship Programme is supported by Creative New Zealand.