Otago congratulates 2027 Arts Fellows
By Division of Humanities, University of Otago | Posted: Thursday Sep 24, 2026
The University of Otago – Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka will host a full contingent of Arts Fellows in 2027.
The Fellows will receive a stipend for up to one year and space on campus to pursue their creative projects.
Four of the five Fellows have been confirmed:
The Frances Hodgkins Fellow is Simon Kaan
The Caroline Plummer Fellowship in Community Dance goes to Tess Hazelhurst
The Robert Burns Fellow is Emma Hislop
The Mozart Fellow is Glen Downie
The University of Otago College of Education Children’s Writer in Residence will also resume its vital role in supporting children’s literature in 2027, in partnership with Robert Lord Writers Cottage Trust, after receiving Creative New Zealand funding.
Read more and apply here: Otago celebrates return of Children’s Writer in Residence
Te Kete Aronui – Division of Humanities Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Professor Hugh Campbell says he is excited to announce the appointment of the confirmed 2027 Arts Fellows.
“It’s fantastic to be able to welcome a full contingent of Arts Fellows to Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka in 2027, and I include the return of our College of Education Children’s Writer in Residence in this celebration.
“It is such a joy to be able to offer these talented artists the space and time to pursue their passion, and to see how much they enrich our creative community. I congratulate the successful applicants and look forward to welcoming them here and seeing their journey unfold.”
Professor Campbell says the University continues to seek further community and philanthropic support to build University trust funds and bring Arts fellowships to a place of secure and ongoing resilience for 2028 and beyond.
Vice-Chancellor Grant Robertson says having five Arts Fellows on campus in 2027 will bring much joy to the University and the wider arts community.
“This is a moment to celebrate and I thank everyone who has put us in this position. I am thrilled Otago can offer these extremely talented Fellows dedicated time and space to pursue their craft.
“I am particularly pleased to see the Robert Burns Fellowship and the Frances Hodgkins Fellowship go to Ngāi Tahu creatives and ngā uri o te mana whenua, which will also help deepen our partnership.”
Meet the Fellows here: Otago congratulates 2027 Arts Fellows | University of Otago