At plenary sessions of The Persuasive Object ( a conference on the future of craft held in 1998 ) and at the meetings that followed, there was a strong call from the craft sector for the establishment of an exhibition space that was dedicated to the exhibition of contemporary craft and design.
In recent months a working party has been set up to further the concept and to oversee the development of a new space for contemporary craft and design in Auckland called objectspace. It is an artist led initiative and a feasibility study has been commissioned which will assist the process of approaching public and private funders. The feasibility stage is receiving support from Creative New Zealand.
The aims of objectspace are:
- to present an exhibition programme of
high quality work by designers and makers of both studio and
industrial based manufacture.
- to promote dialogue and understanding about objects in culture by
representing New Zealand's unique position with respect to
bi-cultural and multicultural expression and exploring the production and
placement of objects in the international arena.
- to place objects in a variety of contexts that inform and question
their purpose.
- to hold forums related to appropriate events
and facilitate the publication of critical writing on craft and design.
- to support innovation and experimentation in object making.
- to promote New Zealand craft and design as part of our cultural
tourism.
While an actual site for objectspace is yet to be found, an exhibitions programme is being developed to launch the idea. Events and exhibitions will take place in alternative venues until such time as an appropriate site becomes available.
Anybody wishing to propose an exhibition or event for objectspace should contact Mary Curtis:
