New team to take helm of Waiheke Gallery

New team to take helm of Waiheke Gallery

Waiheke Community Art Gallery has announced two new appointments - new Gallery Director Denis Robinson and Curator Jennifer Purvis.

Mr Robinson has experience in Gallery management, art, design and marketing and was recently the Executive Director of the Contemporary Fine Art Dealers Association of NZ.

Ms Purvis has curated many innovative exhibitions and events, primarily in Tokyo, where she was an independent curator and art consultant, and also in London and New Zealand. She also writes for art magazines both nationally and internationally.

Mr Robinson says he has watched the gallery reach new levels over the past five years. “We’ll be jumping in at the deep end with the gallery’s reputation at an all-time high and taking over at the busiest time of year, but we have already noticed the enthusiasm of the committee and the community to help and encourage the success of the gallery,” he says.

The gallery, located in the Artworks complex at Oneroa, exhibits and sells both local and national work.

Mr Robinson believes there is an immediate need to increase the visibility of the gallery to make it a ‘must-see’ venue for both locals and visitors to the island. “ I intend to do a lot of questioning and listening locally before helping to plan the gallery’s future,” he says.

Ms Purvis says she is keenly anticipating her new position as curator on Waiheke and to working closely with the local arts community to develop a wide variety of shows that will continue to increase the national merit of the gallery, and launch a solid platform from which to support the emerging and established artists of the island.

Mr Robinson also shares a similar vision to work closely with the islands artists and to help promote their work throughout New Zealand.

“I have contact with most New Zealand galleries and we could act as the artists initial contact point in getting their work displayed nationally.”

“The gallery is the hub of the art community on New Zealand’s Island of Art and we now also need to build on Waiheke’s reputation internationally as a destination for art and culture tourism,” says Mr Robinson.

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