In 2025, the Te Whare Wānaka o Aoraki Lincoln University Art Committee relaunched the biennial Sculptor in Residence programme. The programme recognises Lincoln University's role as the home of a significant Aotearoa New Zealand art collection and creates opportunities for staff, students, and the wider community to engage with the arts, supporting the University's commitment to creating an environment that stimulates and inspires learning. 

Designer and artist Lee Richardson was selected by the Art Committee based on his proposal to create an outdoor table and seating sculpture that responds to the history and vision of Te Whare Wānaka o Aoraki Lincoln University and the value of whanaungatanga. 

The concept reflects the university's commitment to land, food, and ecosystems and positions the table as a site of connection, bringing people together through kai and mātauranga. The design of Another Table references the original Lincoln University exam tables from the 1970s, manufactured by the Ōtautahi based company Tube Fab. Lee developed the work by drawing on these early designs, recognising their durability and practicality.

During opening week, Lee invited staff, students, alumni, and the wider Ōtautahi community to Lincoln to take part in a series of events celebrating the project. The official opening featured food by alumnus Michael Gaynor of Glizzy's, a hotdog venture soon to open in the new stadium, alongside wine from Johannes Bay's label Orium, made from fruit grown at alumnus Alex Craighead's winery Kindeli in Upper Moutere.

This was followed by an A&P style baking competition co hosted by Black Estate Wines. The competition featured five celebrity judges: Laura Metcalf from Mor Bakery in Tāmaki Makaurau, Anna Worthington from Cakes by Anna, Julie Han from Table Bloom, and Pen with her father, alumnus Rod Naish who taught and studied at Lincoln.

Alumni Rod Naish and Dick Lucas at the Another Table unveiling 

The final event was Another Picnic, co hosted by Lee and alumni Lana and Dave Collins of 15 Minute Bottles, alongside Laura Metcalf from Mor Bakery. The picnic featured club sandwiches inspired by the famous sandwich cart that once operated in the Ross Building.

It was a wonderful week of events and a great opportunity to bring alumni back to campus to celebrate the university's great arts programme.

If you have any questions about the Sculptor in Residence programme, the Art Collection or would like to organise a tour please contact the Art Collection Curator Millie at millie.galbraith@lincoln.ac.nz