Anna Hanson sees collaborator and co-curator Ross Liew 80 percent of the week. A self-confessed spreadsheet enabler, Anna says their artistic and admin skills complement each other, as does a massive sense of humour. But space, socially and artistically, is also a key ingredient for collaboration.

"Otherwise, like any relationship, familiarity becomes a problem. We both like to keep things fresh!"

Their most recent collaboration is curating the art installations at Splore. This year artists have responded to the Odyssey theme, with everything from an island refuge in the sea to a creature that forms a bridge from the lagoon to the ocean.  Anna tells us more.

Tell us a bit about your creative background.

I completed a BFA in applied design from Elam in 1987 after which I worked as a residential designer, initially in the retail design industry and then later within my own practice. In 2002 I became co-director of Letham Gallery in Ponsonby which I ran for 10 years. On the sale of the gallery I decided to invest my time in my own art practice and became one of the resident artists at the Carwash Gallery. In 2015 I moved to Sunset Tattoo studio where I share a space with six other creatives.

How and why did you start working with Ross Liew?

I initially started working with Ross while he was coming to the end of his web series If These Walls Could Talk. He needed someone to handle the administration side of his practice and I needed a job! We soon discovered we shared similar career objectives and could offer each other complementary skills to assist in developing projects which aligned with our core values.

What are your top tips for collaborating?

A great collaboration exists only when there is mutual respect for each others strengths and shortcomings. One must be able to pick up from the other. Communication is paramount. Equally important is having the space to carry out individual projects. Ross and I work and see each other 80 percent of the week. So it's important we maintain some sort of space socially and within our own art practice otherwise, like any relationship, familiarity becomes a problem. We both like to keep things fresh!

As a team I think it's important that you share the same philosophies and goals so you are always working off the same page. Lastly a massive sense of humour is essential.

What are your individual and combined roles for Splore?

Within the 2016 arts trail at Splore we were both responsible for artist selection and layout of the exhibition on site. Individually, Ross takes care of all DOC, Iwi concerns, water safety lighting and install requirements. I'm the spreadsheet enabler and artist email reminder person! On site we split up the duties so that each artist receives equal attention.

Why was the arts trail moved back to a dedicated space this year?

We moved the arts trail back to a more defined area this year so the installations linked from one to another making a more condensed art space. Our aim is to suggest a connection from one piece to another. The arts trail is an odyssey within itself.

Tell us about the theme Odyssey and how artists are responding to this?

Every year Splore has a theme underlying its program. This year it's Odyssey. This could conjure up ideas around a journey, a refuge, the galaxy, travel by land or sea.....The artists selected have responded magically. We have an island refuge in the sea, a creature that forms a bridge from the lagoon to the ocean, a full size queen bed out of which a tree grows entrapping balloons, a disco setup at the top of the goat track complete with disco balls...

What combination of people and resources are required to deliver the artist program?

We have a very experienced team to make the program happen. We are lucky enough to have had the opportunity to work with Peter Stoneham who does an extraordinary job on the lighting, Rigger Andy Neverman who seems to accomplish the impossible amongst the foliage and artist requests. Kirsty Winter and Spike Grimm are our techies who oversee the installation and safety of the installations and somehow never complain. Last but not least we have a hand picked team of volunteers who work extremely long physical hours to make the dream a reality because they are passionate about art and the Splore experience.

Why is the arts trail an important part of Splore?

While music is a large part of Splore the arts trail has grown in its size and popularity amongst the “Splorers” - it's part of the program that people look forward to discovering and spending time with. We try to introduce interactive pieces that challenge the public perception of sculpture while making the trail available to all age groups.

How do you measure success of the program?

We measure the success of the program through eves dropping on conversations during the Saturday night! Smiling faces as they interact with the pieces is success in our books.

What’s your big idea for 2016?

My big idea is to continue to work collaboratively with individuals who are committed to using their skills to benefit communities. It would be cool to make some art, have a holiday and learn to tango in Argentina as well!

• See the Arts Trail at Splore 2016, 19-21 February at Tapapakanga Park, Auckland