10 Feb 2010
Creative New Zealand has started planning for the 2011 Venice Biennale which is the cornerstone of its international visual arts strategy.
In December 2007 Creative New Zealand’s Arts Council committed to a New Zealand presence at the prestigious Venice Biennale for the 2009, 2011 and 2013 exhibitions.
New Zealand’s 2009 and 2011 Venice Biennale Commissioner Jenny Harper has convened an external visual arts advisory panel, to recommend an artist for Venice in 2011.
Chaired by Arts Council chairman Alastair Carruthers, the advisory panel is made up of the following prominent New Zealand contemporary art professionals:
Jenny Harper: Commissioner; Director of Christchurch Art Gallery
Elizabeth Caldwell: Director of Dunedin Public Art Gallery
Rhana Devenport: Director of Govett-Brewster Art Gallery
Heather Galbraith: Senior Curator, City Gallery, Wellington and curator of 2009 Venice Biennale artist Francis Upritchard’s exhibition
Charlotte Huddleston: Curator, Contemporary Art at Te Papa
Jonathan Mane-Wheoki: Professor and Head at Elam School of Fine Arts
In recommending the New Zealand artist for the 2011 Venice Biennale, the panel is focusing on the best of contemporary artistic practice. It will identify an artist of national importance who is at a stage in their career where the biennale would significantly raise their international profile and that of New Zealand art.
The Arts Council will consider the panel’s recommendations and is expected to make an announcement on the invited artist in March.
Creative New Zealand made the decision to invite participation in the 2011 Venice Biennale in response to advice from the visual arts community that it would be a more effective way to engage with senior level artists, than a contestable bid. This process has been adopted for 2011 Venice Biennale only and other selection options will be considered prior to the 2013 Biennale.
In other Venice Biennale news, Creative New Zealand is delighted that the 2009 Joint Heads of the Patrons, Dame Jenny Gibbs and Dayle Mace will retain their valuable position for the 2011 Biennale. In 2009 the Patrons of the Venice Biennale raised a record amount for the New Zealand exhibitions.
If you have further enquiries about this process please contact:
Carla Van Zon, Manager International team carla.vanzon@creativenz.govt.nz
Media enquiries: Hannah Evans hannah.evans@creativenz.govt.nz
CATEGORIES: International Latest news and blog
Share this
