14 Aug 2015
Ponsonby based craft and design gallery, Objectspace, has appointed Kim Paton, currently Research Leader and lecturer in visual arts at Wintec’s School of Media Arts in Hamilton as its new director.
Employed at Wintec since 2010, Kim’s current position combines the responsibilities of lecturer, Research Leader, Ramp Gallery Curator and Ramp Press Editor within the Media Arts School. Kim, who has a first class Honours degree in Sculpture and a post graduate diploma in Management, brings to Objectspace comprehensive knowledge and engagement with regional, national and international arts networks and significant exhibition and publication project experience.
Objectspace Chair Ben Corban said that Kim was chosen from a very strong field of candidates and that “based on the organisation’s strong foundation, we believe Kim will extend the role of Objectspace into new territory.”
Kim will commence on 7 September 2015 and work alongside outgoing Director Philip Clarke before he leaves. He says “I’m delighted to be handing over to a very experienced manager such as Kim at a time when Creative New Zealand has recently announced increased funding for Objectspace.”
One of Kim’s first public roles will be to host Objectspace’s 2015 Talkfest 25-26 September 2015 which is being staged in partnership with Auckland Museum, Pecha Kucha and Architecture Week.
Kim Paton said that she was excited about her new role, as “I have been an avid fan of Objectspace since it opened its doors eleven years ago.”
“I want Objectspace to be a place of innovation and excellence in the fields of craft, applied art and design, supporting the incredible work that artists do in this sector. The potential for developing new ways for delivering exhibition content and public programmes is significant and I would like to grow opportunities for commissioning projects that reflect that creative practice doesn’t take place in a vacuum but rather is a reflection of the world that we live in.”
The 6pm 21 August 2015 Opening of Strands: weaving a new fabric, curated by Objectspace Curator, Doris de Pont, will be a chance for Objectspace exhibitors and supporters to meet Kim at Objectspace.
About Objectspace
Objectspace is a public gallery dedicated to exhibits of craft, applied arts and design. It presents an annual programme of curated exhibitions, events, publications and partnerships.
For more information, images or interviews:
Naiomi Murgatroyd
Programme Manager, Objectspace
(09) 376-6216 | naiomi@objectspace.org.nz