Auckland Art Fair Director Jennifer Buckley
This week we talk to Auckland Art Fair Director Jennifer Buckley, whose role includes everything from big picture (invited guests, exhibitors, themes) to little details (all collateral design and distribution, accounts).
“Right now I feel like I’m organising a wedding with 157 brides. It helps to be an obsessive control freak.”
The Auckland Art Fair features a select contingent of 40 of New Zealand and Australia’s leading galleries and their artists and offers a snapshot of what’s current in contemporary Trans-Tasman art.
The three day fair is at Viaduct Harbour, Auckland City from May 1-3. It includes a full public programme, including twice daily public lectures and panel discussions by a host of local and international art commentators, guided tours and artist talks.
What is the Auckland Art Fair?
The art fair is a biennial showcase of current contemporary art, all over New Zealand and Australia.
How and why was it started?
It was conceived in 2004 and developed by The NZ Contemporary Art Trust (a not for profit organisation established in order to develop and run the fair took place in 2005). I am one of seven trustees, the others being Candis Craven, Deborah White, Helene Phillips, Dayle Mace, David Ross, Alex MacDonald.
Reason: It was crucial that NZ have a professionally run, showcase of high quality contemporary art practise – make that showcase accessible to the widest possible audience.
How does the Art Fair generate opportunities for New Zealand visual arts?
Many ways, one being that it makes the work shown in dealer galleries all over NZ and Australia available, in one place, to an audience of 10,000 + visitors including artists, collectors, curators, students and visitors. It’s a one stop shop for anyone with an interest in – and wanting to know more about – contemporary art.
What’s been the Art Fair’s biggest impact or success to date?
Growth in scale and quality from 17 local galleries to 40 of Australasia’s leading galleries within three events. Excellent feedback from all participants.
How do you connect with other Art Fairs internationally?
By attending some (Armoury Show, Bridge, Volta, Basel) and networking regionally with fairs such as Melbourne Art Fair Foundation.
What combination of people and resources are required to put on an Art Fair of this scale?
The fair takes place over all four of the boat sheds on the Viaduct and it takes a team of 12 builders two weeks to build and install half a kilometre of white walls.
There are 40 exhibitions on site including sculpture court and installation. These include 80 plus exhibitors, 240 artists in 38 galleries, 60 volunteers, eight pivotal short term contracts brought in for 3-4 months of event and 1 full time Director. Let’s not forget our 12 fabulous sponsors and their staff...
What does your role as Director include?
The role includes everything from BIG picture (invited guests, exhibitors, themes) to little details (all collateral design and distribution, accounts etc). Right now I feel like I’m organising a wedding with 157 brides. It helps to be an obsessive control freak.
How did you get involved?
I started off in 2005 as a voluntary member of a team of four with fellow trustees Deborah White, Helene Phillips; In 2007 Deborah White and I ran the fair together and, in 2009 I’m kind of the ‘last man standing’ – in an official capacity although Deborah White plays a pivotal role in our Public Programme development and an indispensible sounding board for me.
What keeps you involved?
It is such a great event and the energy generated by all of the participants over the weekend is amazing. I’m also keen on the slush margarita machine in the café...
What does the Art Fair offer this year?
With 38 galleries from New Zealand and Australia showcasing some 600 artists, it offers the very best in contemporary art in the two countries, together with a fantastic keynote speaker – economist and art commentator Don Thompson who wrote the book ‘The $12million Stuffed Shark’. From a new painting by Shane Cotton, to works by both NZ Venice Biennale representative Judy Millar and Francis Upritchard, plus a stunning WD Hammond painting and Jim Cooper’s absolutely gorgeous rendition of Itchykoo Park of Small Faces fame … some 150 individual ceramic pieces! And from Australia, there is also Patricia Piccinini and the controversial Bill Henson, alongside a new work by ex-pat Kiwi (and Australia’s 2007 Venice Biennale representative) Daniel Von Sturmer.
What on the programme are you personally most excited about?
I am thrilled with our beautiful book, published by Random House: New Art Now, our official event publication that includes some wonderful essays from both sides of the Tasman by the likes of Greg O’Brien, Simon Rees, Justin Clemens, Blair French and Rosemary Forde. It’s full of great writing and pretty pictures!
Don Thompson’s lecture on “the curious economics of contemporary art” is a programme highlight. How can people who are not able to attend the sold-out lecture, tune in?
There are a couple of good interviews with him – NZ Herald and NZ Listener and he’s on air with Kathryn Ryan on Thursday morning, plus his very entertaining book The $12 M Stuffed Shark is a great read.
What impact, in your view, is the recession having on the sale of contemporary visual art in New Zealand now?
Quality work sells.
What are some of the other challenges?
Only opportunities.
What are your hopes and passions for the future of visual arts in New Zealand?
To make contemporary art as much a part of the Kiwi psyche as rugby. Good luck to me, right?
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