Rob Garrett
Auckland, New Zealand
Rob Garrett (MA, BFA) is an independent curator, currently living and working between Sopot, Poland and Auckland, New Zealand, with more than 35 years’ experience in the visual arts, as curator, arts manager, writer, arts entrepreneur, strategist and government advisor and academic.
He is a specialist in commissioning public art projects and all aspects of public art policy, planning and implementation; and has long experience in cultural sector start-ups; leading arts organisations; building visionary programs and empowered teams; and leading organisational change.
Recent projects include curating "Production Stills" by Daniel von Sturmer, Courtenay Place Park Light Boxes public art project, Wellington (6 December 2013-6 April 2014); "Unearthing Delights" the 5th edition of Narracje - Installations and Interventions in Public Space, Gdansk, Poland (November 2013); "Lost in a dream", an international group exhibition at independent artist space Snake Pit, Auckland, NZ (October-November 2012); and "Don't hold your breath", the NZ-Australia Video Programme for the Ängelholm International Video Art Festival (AIVA), Ängelholm, Sweden (April 2012).
He curates an ongoing programme of young artist projects at Corner window gallery, a non-profit space on Auckland's Karangahape Road, NZ.
Following two years leading Auckland Council’s public art programme through a period of local government re-structure (2010-2011), he recently completed Auckland Council's public art policy development project for the wider Auckland region (2013).
Former roles include Sponsoring Manager of the fundamental practice by et al., New Zealand’s exhibition pavilion project, 51st Venice Biennale of Contemporary Art, 2005; Head of School, Dunedin School of Art, NZ's oldest art school; Founding Chair, Otago Festival of the Arts, Dunedin (1999-2002); Founding Director & Curator, Artists at Work international artist residency programme, Dunedin (1993-2002); and Government-appointed Council Member, Arts Council of New Zealand (2001-2002).