Our People
Curatorial, Collections and Programmes
Lead Curator
Felicity Milburn, Lead Curator
Felicity works with artists on a wide range of projects, from temporary installations through to large-scale survey exhibitions, and writes regularly about art for the Gallery and for local and international publications. She enjoys working collaboratively with contemporary artists and finding new ways for audiences to connect with art in the process.
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Curator
Peter Vangioni, Curator
Peter's primary interest is in historical New Zealand art and printmaking however he also enjoys the opportunity to collaborate with contemporary artists on exhibitions. His ongoing research of the permanent collection often informs the Gallery's exhibition programme which he helps shape with the curatorial team. His interest in hand-printed books has led to the development of an artist's book collection in the Gallery's library.
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Curator
Ken Hall, Curator
Ken works as a curator with historical and contemporary art, and enjoys working with the collection on research-based projects that strengthen public access and explore diverse aspects of our local and national cultural past. Ongoing research into the collection includes provenance – why and how historical works got here – and unsettling legacies of colonialism and empire. Ken’s particular interest in historical photography resulted in Hidden Light: Early Canterbury and West Coast Photography, a 2019 exhibition and award-winning publication. Recent collection-based shows include The Activated Eye (2022); Leaving for Work (2021–22) and The Moon and the Manor House (2021–22).
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Curator
Melanie Oliver, Curator
Melanie has a background of working in artist-run initiatives and continues to take an artist-led approach to curating in public institutions. She primarily works with contemporary artists but also has an interest in archives and, as the most recent addition to the Gallery’s curatorial team, is looking forward to bringing fresh perspectives to the collection.
Pouarataki Curator Māori
Chloe Cull, Pouarataki Curator Māori
Chloe has recently joined the Gallery in this newly created Pouarataki Curator Māori position. Chloe (Ngāi Tahu, Ngāi te Ruahikihiki) has a background in te reo Māori and education, and in this role will be focussing on the work of Māori, Pacific, and indigenous artists globally. She enjoys working with artists on the development of new projects, and facilitating community engagement with toi Māori.
Curatorial Assistant
Jane Wallace, Curatorial Assistant
Jane is currently developing a significant contemporary exhibition alongside Melanie Oliver. She works closely with artists to research and write on studio practices, and has a particular interest in artists’ publishing, so is also looking forward to gaining experience in the Gallery’s Library and Archive.