Ariane Craig-Smith is the recipient of ARTSPACE's 2007 Curatorial Internship, beating 20 other talented applicants to win this coveted learning position. Ariane Craig-Smith is the recipient of ARTSPACE's 2007 Curatorial Internship, beating 20 other talented applicants to win this coveted learning position.Currently working as Programme Coordinator in the Stevenson Discovery Centre at Auckland Museum, Ariane holds a Master of Arts in Art History from Auckland University and a Bachelor of Design from Unitec Institute of Technology, Auckland.

The internship, established in 2004, offers budding curators a unique opportunity to learn in a mentored relationship with the Director at one of New Zealand's leading contemporary art galleries. The programme is a vital instrument in growing the experience and professionalism of New Zealand's contemporary art practitioners. By giving young people the chance to add depth to their knowledge and experience, ARTSPACE aims to give them a firm grounding so they are in a position to take on senior roles in New Zealand's creative industries within five years.

ARTSPACE's 2006 intern, Laura Preston, is on her way to this goal by continuing her curatorial practice overseas. She is going to the Witte de With in Rotterdam to work with Director Nicolaus Schafhausen on the exhibition project for the German Pavilion in the 52nd Venice Biennale.

Ariane Craig-Smith starts her internship 5 March and says "I am extremely honoured and excited to be offered this internship. I see ARTSPACE as forming a kind of critical hub for the local contemporary art scene, as well as an important point of engagement with the international art world. I intend to make a positive contribution to that process, and carry that intention with me afterwards to whatever comes next."

Image: After the situation: Moment Making, the current exhibition at ARTSPACE.