The New Zealand Department of Conservation and Creative New Zealand have announced the selection of three artists to take part in the inaugural Wild Creations artist-in-residence program. Filmaker Zoe Roland, sculptor Christine Hellyar and writer/performer Jo Randerson have been chosen to participate in the program which aims to foster links between conservation and artists, encouraging them to create work inspired by New Zealand’s diverse peoples, places, stories and natural environments. More than 150 artists applied for the six-week residencies, with the selection panel noting that 'what made the proposals of these three artists stand out from the other excellent proposals is that the artists expressed clearly their commitment to experiencing everything the residency could offer.' Creative New Zealand Chief Executive Elizabeth Kerr has described the response to Wild Creations as overwhelming, and has commented that the organisation is ‘delighted’ that the Department of Conservation has embraced the partnership and recognised its potential. 'The threading together of these two strands – New Zealand's natural environment and its creative people –is certain to produce outstanding artistic work, which will provide insights into our country and our culture,' she said.