Artists to Antarctica

Artists have travelled to Antarctica from the earliest explorations, with photographers Herbert Ponting and Frank Hurley perhaps the best known.

New Zealand has supported artists in Antarctica since the beginnings of its involvement in 1956. In the early days of the New Zealand Antarctic programme most artists were either commissioned or NZ Defence Force artists.

In 1996 Antarctica New Zealand recognised that artists and writers could provide long-term benefits by raising public awareness of Antarctica to audiences which otherwise might not be reached.

The Artists to Antarctica Programme was established in partnership with Creative New Zealand. Under this partnership Antarctica New Zealand provided administrative and logistical support, and Creative New Zealand financial support. The programme encouraged New Zealand artists in all disciplines to explore Antarctica through their work, thus increasing New Zealanders' understanding of Antarctica's value and global importance.  Antarctica New Zealand has catered, over time, for a wide variety of artistic styles and audiences, reflecting the diversity of Antarctica and New Zealand society. These artists were awarded the title of Antarctic Arts Fellows.  This programme ran for 10 years and is currently in abeyance.

Antarctica New Zealand each year invites up to 2 artists and writers to travel to Antarctica for specific projects. The artists become honorary Antarctic Arts Fellows and travel to Antarctica under the Invited Artists Programme.