The Auckland Triennial was conceived in 2000 as the cornerstone exhibition
of international contemporary art in New Zealand, and a hallmark for contemporary
art and dialogue in the Asia/Pacific region. It has now bedded into local
organisations and communities as the only national contemporary art event
of its kind. From the outset, the Triennial was developed with a citywide
programme of venues and partners and with a strong national audience. On
this solid grounding, it has built an international network of support through
an expanding group of artists, keynote speakers and funders.
The Auckland Triennial is now in its tenth year, of organisational support by an experienced team at the Auckland Art Gallery. In 2010, key partnerships with major Auckland stakeholders will be maintained including founding supporters Sue Fisher Art Trust and the Chartwell Trust. The Triennial's long term partnership with AUT University continues into 2010, with Artspace, St Pauls St Gallery, the University of Auckland George Fraser Gallery and Elam School of Fine Arts also on board. In addition, for 2010 the Triennial will expand into a new site in the public space of the city.
The role of a triennial is not only to stimulate and enrich local art communities, but to provide a window onto the world of contemporary creativity. Previous Auckland Triennials include, Bright Paradise: exotic history and sublime paradise, the 1st Auckland Triennial, 2001 curated by Allan Smith; Public Private Tumatanui Tumataiti, the 2nd Auckland Triennial, 2004 curated by Ngahiraka Mason and Ewan McDonald and turbulence the 3rd Auckland Triennial, 2007 curated by Victoria Lynn have all brought high-octane international artists and speakers to New Zealand. With artists such as Mariele Neudecker, 2001, Lorna Simpson, 2004, Phil Collins, 2007; and speakers such as Peter D. Osborne and Marian Pastor Roces, 2001, and Gerardo Mosquera, 2007, the Triennial has played a critical role in connecting New Zealand's largest contemporary art audience with international dialogue.
The 2010 Auckland Triennial, curated by Natasha Conland, will present approximately 30 artists and an energetic programme of performances, speakers and forums, supported by a handsome publication. Launched in late summer on 12 March 2010, it begins with a full programme, and concludes with a symposium coinciding with the 2010 Biennale of Sydney. The 4th Auckland Triennial looks set to generate a timely and prescient dialogue on issues of international contemporary art.
