Ava Trevella completed a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Hons) at Elam School of Fine Arts in 2023 and has shown recently at Centre of Contemporary Art Toi Moroki (CoCA) in Ōtautahi Christchurch and Blue Oyster Art Project Space in Ōtepoti Dunedin. She is a painter whose practice is studio-led and explores interconnected themes of self, nature and place through intimate engagement and figuration.
On being awarded the residency, Trevella said:
“I feel immensely grateful to have been awarded the Iris Fisher Artist Studio Residency, and very much look forward to spending many weeks in the studio making paintings. Being provided such generous time, space and support is a rare gift these days. After spending a few years in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland whilst studying it would be great to return and reconnect with friends.”
Te Tuhi’s Executive Director, Hiraani Himona said:
“We were really pleased with the wide interest in the Iris Fisher Artist Studio Residency from across Aotearoa. The application process introduced our team to many talented early-career artists whose work we look forward to following in the future. I’m really looking forward to having Ava with us for three months and following the development of her practice up close.”
Stephen Fisher, on behalf of the Lou and Iris Fisher Charitable Trust, commented: “I congratulate Ava Trevella on being the successful recipient of next year’s Iris Fisher Artist Studio Residency. Judging on the outcome of this year’s commencement of the program with Ed Ritchie, Ava has a great creative opportunity which we will all follow with interest. Our Trust was delighted to see the number and depth of applicants and to continue to fund this important development in the New Zealand world of Art.”
About the Iris Fisher Artist Studio Residency
The Iris Fisher Artist Studio Residency is a three-month programme hosted in Te Tuhi’s Papatūnga Artist Studio. Designed for emerging artists or collectives, the residency supports practice development rather than exhibition outcomes – offering dedicated time, space and guidance to test ideas, take risks and build new connections.
Residents receive:
→ Use of the Papatūnga Artist Studio
→ A $15,000 living-wage stipend
→ Mentorship and curatorial support from Te Tuhi
→ Access to workshops, networks and studio resources
Honouring the legacy of Iris Fisher
The residency builds on the remarkable generosity of Iris Fisher, an early champion of contemporary art in East Auckland. Iris spent decades creating pathways for emerging artists – from founding the Pakuranga Arts Society to establishing the Iris Fisher Art Awards and supporting grassroots arts initiatives across the region.
In 2025, the Lou and Iris Fisher Charitable Trust expanded this legacy, committing to a three-year programme that triples the support previously offered through the former Iris Fisher Scholarship. This investment reflects values that defined Iris’s life: community, creative opportunity, and building the conditions for artists to thrive.
Te Tuhi warmly acknowledges the Fisher family for their generosity, vision and enduring dedication to nurturing new artistic talent in Aotearoa.