New Director Named for Govett-Brewster Art Gallery

14 October 2013

N E W S R E L E A S E

New Director Named for Govett-Brewster Art Gallery

A former curator at the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery is returning to New Plymouth to take on the role of Gallery Director.

New Zealander Simon Rees (CORRECT: REES) will start at the gallery on 10 February, after finishing his current job of Head of Programming and Development at MAK, the Austrian Museum of Applied Arts/Contemporary Arts.

From 2002 to 2004 Mr Rees was Curator Contemporary Art at the Govett-Brewster. He left the gallery for the Contemporary Art Centre (CAC) in Vilnius, Lithuania where he was curator and editor of the CAC/Interviu Magazine before taking on the role of Head of the Exhibitions Department.

General Manager Community Services Cathy Thurston says the appointment will greatly benefit the art gallery and the Len Lye Centre.

“Simon brings with him knowledge of New Plymouth, the Govett-Brewster and contemporary art from around the Pacific Rim from his previous role at the gallery, as well as extensive experience and contacts in the Europe arts scene,” she says.

“In his current role in Austria, Simon is responsible for management, curatorial work and fundraising for the institution – all of which he can put to good use at the Govett-Brewster and the Len Lye Centre.”

Mr Rees replaces Rhana Devenport who left the gallery to become Director of the Auckland Art Gallery in July.

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