Two residencies for artists at Whanganui's historic Tylee Cottage are on offer in the coming year - thanks to a $40,000 grant from Creative New Zealand.
The residencies are run by the Sarjeant Gallery, and curator and public programmes manager Greg Donson said the grant meant there would be two five-month residencies, each worth $20,000.
He said the funding had given the programme a boost, making it even more attractive to artists who can focus on their work in a stress-free environment with living expenses taken care of.
Whanganui District Council supports the programme by offering the cottage rent-free and covering electricity and phone charges for artists, along with a modest living allowance.
The artist-in-residence programme at Tylee Cottage has seen more than 50 artists participate, and last year celebrated its 30th anniversary.