Creative New Zealand has announced that the deadline for receipt of applications to its Artists to Antarctica programme, run in partnership with Antarctica New Zealand, ends on 30 September 2005. Antarctica New Zealand Chief Executive Lou Sanson says the programme is an integral part of each season’s on-ice activities. “Antarctica is one of the most inspiring places on the planet. It feeds the mind and the soul. The chance to capture the majesty of this vast frozen continent and convey that through art is a wonderful way to communicate directly and inspire others. The energy and vitality that artists inject into the environment at Scott Base each season is a highlight for many of the scientists and staff in Antarctica. Since the programme began, we’ve seen many varied artforms and a wide body of New Zealand Antarctic art has been built up. “As we approach the 50th Anniversary of Scott Base in 2007, we hope the Artists to Antarctica programme will form the backbone of a major art exhibition. Hopefully, the artists we choose this season will form part of that.” The programme was inaugurated in 1996 and is open to established New Zealand artists and writers from all disciplines. The selected artists will visit Antarctica to explore one of the last natural wildernesses on the planet, and are expected to find considerable inspiration in this challenging environment. To download an application form, CLICK HERE. For further information, CLICK HERE.