Objectspace - A Centre for Contemporary Craft and Design

Objectspace
Objectspace is a new and unique gallery that focuses purely on the object arts, a sector long ignored by the New Zealand arts world. Objectspace features jewellery, ceramics, furniture, glass and many more forms of object art made by some of New Zealand's most well-known artists.

Its latest exhibition 'Southern Exposure' features the work of 24 New Zealand glass artists. The exhibition will run from 8-29 May 2004. It will be open Tuesday through Saturday from 10.00am-5.00pm.

The idea for Objectspace was developed at Creative New Zealand's 'Persuasive Object' conference in 1998. The conference focused on the future of object art. Support for an object art exhibition space was strong, and with the initiatives taken by jewellers Warwick Freeman and Mary Curtis, an organisation behind Objectspace was founded. A permanent venue had yet to be secured.

In May 2003, Objectspace secured a $10,000 grant from Creative New Zealand for the research and promotion of 'The Secret Life of Things', an exhibition that explores the long-lasting value of hand-made objects. With the funding, Objectspace was finally able to set up a venue and hire director Phillip Clarke. The exhibition space is located on 8 Ponsonby Road in Auckland.

With public and private funding secured, the Objectspace Board of Trustees decided it would not sell artwork. Rather the organisation aims to exhibit a wide range of object art that might otherwise not be seen in a gallery.

In December 2003, Objectspace was announced as a finalist in the CUBE competition, which sought innovative ideas that promote the future of Auckland arts. In May 2004, four winners will be selected from the pool of 17 finalists and will receive $50,000 for start-up financing. To keep updated on the latest CUBE news, visit www.cube.org.nz.

Anybody wishing to propose an exhibition or event for Objectspace should contact Mary Curtis at mary.e.c@xtra.co.nz.

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