Objectspace Information

It seeks to invigorate exhibition making, support discourse in these fields, and provide a wealth of opportunities to engage and expand knowledge of material cultures. Objectspace opened in 2004 after a working group of prominent local makers, art writers and curators identified a significant lack of support for the fields of craft, applied art and design. The intention from the outset was to create a gallery environment that demanded excellence in these fields and that simultaneously allowed for experimentation within new and expanded frameworks. After 12 years of exhibition programming on Ponsonby Road, Objectspace negotiated an extension of its core funding with principle funding body Creative New Zealand. This was the catalyst for expansion that has seen Objectspace grow in capacity to become the lead organisation in the Craft/Object sector. Under the leadership of incoming Director Kim Paton and the Objectspace board of trustees, this expansion has led to a wider disciplinary focus, and the work of Objectspace now encompasses the fields of design, craft and architecture. This has also driven the relocation to the new purpose-built premises on Rose Road in Ponsonby, bringing with it a shift in scale to four exhibition spaces and the provision of a dedicated public programming space and library. With the new building Objectspace will deliver on a new series of services to the Craft/Object sector. These will be effective nation-wide and extend beyond exhibition programming into the areas of research, development, relationship development, international relationship development and the enrichment of critical writing in the field. At its heart Objectspace has always been an organisation driven by makers, and by the concerns of the disciplines that it serves. In this way, Objectspace serves its audiences and communities, by providing an environment where the best practice and thinking in design, craft and architecture can be experienced and engaged with. Objectspace is staffed by Director Kim Paton, Programme ...