ARTS NEWS: NORTHART
New directors at Northart Jonathan Organ and Jessica Pearless took over as contemporary life through art, learn about the creative co-directors/curators at Northcote’s Northart process or simply enjoy an artist’s perspective on the gallery – just as the Covid19 pandemic and world. Art and creativity are powerful tools through four-week New Zealand-wide lockdown which we can better understand each other.” forced the gallery to close. Christine Jonathan and Jessica are working with a Young talked to them about their number of artists to develop exhibitions for background and their aspirations for the 2020 and beyond. Their first projects will gallery. be with Auckland artists Roy Good, Luise Jonathan and Jessica each hold a Fong, Elliot Collins, Paul Nathan and Kiran Master of Fine Arts degree (with Honours), McKinnon, with special exhibitions planned and each has over 20 years’ experience for the Auckland Festival of Photography and working in the visual arts sector in New Auckland Art Week in June and October. Zealand and overseas. Alongside their arts In the near future, they will send out a ‘Call industry work they have also developed careers for Proposals’ giving artists the opportunity to Jonathan Organ and as award winning practising visual artists. present a concept for an exhibition at Northart. Jessica Pearless. Jonathan has held various roles in arts “We are excited to learn more about each artist’s management and curation, including arts manager at practice and develop links between these artists through our Brick Bay Sculpture Trail, curator and auctioneer for Webb’s Auction curatorial process.” House, and director of Maheke Exhibition Galleries. Jessica is They are also keen to engage with art lovers from across the an experienced arts manager and educator, having run the art Shore. “Alongside our funders, members and volunteers form the department and gallery for Webb’s, and taught art and art history to Northart community,” says Jessica. “We are eager to hear from them university level. She is also an artist mentor for Boosted, The Arts and others keen to offer their support. Becoming a Northart member Foundation of New Zealand’s crowdfunding platform. or volunteer brings numerous benefits, including opportunities to They established their art services agency, Paragon Matter, in exhibit, work with other artists, and be part of your local arts facility. If 2018 and through this specialise in art valuations, artist mentoring, art you are interested in getting involved, we’d love to hear from you.” events and advisory. Under Jonathan and Jessica, Northart will move to a monthly exhibition programme, with opening events on the first Sunday of The Northart board, commenting on Jessica and Jonathan’s every month. Each exhibition will include a programme of artist talks appointment, said, “We are delighted to have appointed Jessica and events, chances for the public to engage with the exhibiting Pearless and Jonathon Organ to lead Northart’s future place in Auckland’s cultural landscape. They come with a wide range of industry artists to learn more about what drives their creative work. “We are fortunate to have two large gallery spaces and a credentials and creative experience as well as an ambitious drive to prominent window space overlooking Ernie Mays Square meaning build on former manager Wendy Harsant’s legacy to develop Northart that we offer multiple exhibition viewing spaces. The large window as the flagship northern arts facility in Kaipatiki. The Board looks spaces also allow for viewing of art at a distance.” forward to an exciting future for Northart led by our new directors.” During the lockdown period, and any further period of physical Jessica says that the role of director/curator at Northart inspired distancing, they are looking at ways to support Northart’s artists them on a number of levels. “Being based on the North Shore, we and encourage audience engagement and learning through online are aware of the importance of quality art experiences for our local programming. “Given that our public gallery facilities will be closed audience, as well as the need for local artists and creatives to have for an unspecified period of time, we are brainstorming ways through a facility to exhibit their work and engage with their community. We which our audience can interact through us via our social media felt that our skills dovetailed well into the role. As a duo we offer the channels, website and online activities. We are keen to engage gallery two unique yet cohesive perspectives. While the concept of with our community and hear their ideas on ways that Northart can dual directorship is relatively new to art galleries in New Zealand, our encourage people to keep looking at art, and for practitioners to keep appointment reflects the progressive nature of the Northart board.” making art. Creativity and connection is vital in times like these.” Jessica says they are committed to further establishing Northart Northart is a community funded organisation, receiving funding as the go-to destination for quality art experiences on the North from several organisations, including The Lion Foundation, Kaipatiki Shore. “Our aim is to bring opportunities to artists and creatives, Local Board, Birkenhead Licensing Trust and Creative New Zealand. and experiences to our audiences through engagement with all contemporary art practices. “We see Northart as a facility that can bring appreciation of art Northart, Norman King Square, Northcote Shopping Centre to our community at all levels, from those who are new to art, to 09 480 9633 022 102 2422 gallery@northart.co.nz experienced practitioners. In visiting an exhibition, event, or class Northart is supported by Auckland Council, Kaipatiki Local at Northart, the public can engage with current conversations on Board, the Birkenhead Licensing Trust and Lion Foundation.
Norman King Square, Ernie Mays Street, Northcote Shopping Centre Phone 09 480 9633 gallery@northart.co.nz www.northart.co.nz Northart is supported by Kaipatiki Local Board, the Lion Foundation and Birkenhead Licensing Trust and is open 10am – 4pm daily, evening viewings by arrangement. Admission is free.
www.channelmag.co.nz Issue 108 - April 2020
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