Programming Artweek Auckland
09 Oct 2014
Marlaina Key is not only a talented artist herself but a long-time arts advocate and art collector – and is this year's Artweek Auckland programme facilitator.
Written by
The Big Idea Editor
Marlaina Key is not only a talented artist herself but a long-time arts advocate and art collector – and is this year's Artweek Auckland programme facilitator.
During what hours of the day do you feel most inspired?
How does your environment affect your work?
Do you like to look at the big picture or focus on the details?
What's your number one business tip for surviving (and thriving) in the creative industries?
Tell us a bit about your recent and upcoming projects.
If you could go back and choose a completely different career path to the one you've chosen, what would it be?
Marlaina Key is not only a talented artist herself but a long-time arts advocate and art collector – and is this year's Artweek Auckland programme facilitator. Under her direction this year’s programme is at its biggest.
She’s just the woman for the job – having worked in gallery and project management, production, and artist liaison, managed special projects for Tautai Contemporary Pacific Arts Trust, and has been part of the team at Whitespace since 2009.
Last year Marlaina's passion for contemporary art took her as far afield as Venice, Italy. She was one of ten selected to work in the coveted attendant role at the New Zealand pavilion at the Venice Biennale - working as an ambassador, assisting with the supervision and promotion of the NZ exhibition.
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During what hours of the day do you feel most inspired?
I heard someone say sensory deprivation helps with inspiration or ideas. Something about the sound of the water distracting you which allows your mind to wander. Short answer: In the shower.
How would a good friend describe your aesthetic or style?
Simple, picky…A really good friend would probably say “pffft! you have no style!”
What aspect of your creative practice gives you the biggest thrill?
Normally it’s the people I meet or collaborate with along the way. Seeing something you have worked long and hard on come together is rewarding but the people that help get you there and remain is what gets me going.
How does your environment affect your work?
If someone around me is having a bad day, I’m having a bad day.
Do you like to look at the big picture or focus on the details?
A bit of both.
What's your number one business tip for surviving (and thriving) in the creative industries?
Winston Churchill once said, “The first quality that is needed is audacity”. Followed by Jay-Z with “I’m not afraid of dying, I’m afraid of not trying.” Don’t be afraid to take risks. If you always play it safe, you will never get anywhere. Wise men.
Oh and don’t be a jerk.
Which of your projects to date has given you the most satisfaction?
I recently curated a group show at Whitespace called ‘Hold Your Breath’ it was hugely rewarding to work with such talented artists and then have it sell and be received so well.
Who or what has inspired you recently?
I’m always inspired by people who aren’t afraid to try things outside of their comfort zone.
Tell us a bit about your background.
I’m an artist and avid art collector, I’ve worked in gallery and project management, production, and artist liaison, managed Special Projects for Tautai Contemporary Pacific Arts Trust, and have been part of the team at Whitespace since 2009. My passion for contemporary art has taken me as far afield as Venice, Italy, where last year I worked in the attendant role at the New Zealand pavilion at the Venice Biennale.
Tell us a bit about your recent and upcoming projects.
Artweek Auckland is set to drop Oct 10 and runs through till the 19th and will bring together the city-wide visual arts community under one umbrella with activations taking place in nine different neighbourhoods, including Auckland’s Heart of the City, Newmarket, Ponsonby, Parnell, Karangahape Road and Arch Hill / Uptown, with satellite events in the South, West and North Shore. With a cross section of free art exhibitions, art-related talks, special events, late night openings, art tours and exhibitions in commercial and public art galleries and venues around the city. It has it all, so jump on the website and see what’s up!
If you could go back and choose a completely different career path to the one you've chosen, what would it be?
I’ve always liked the idea of being a back-up singer, all the perks, skip the fame.
What place is always with you, wherever you go?
I wandered into some squat toilets in Singapore, that place stays with me, haunts me really. I think I might have missed the point of this question.
What's the best way to listen to music, and why?
I can get quite obsessive compulsive about songs. I will listen to the same song on repeat for weeks until I get sick of it then move on to the next.
You are given a piece of string, a stick and some fabric. What do you make?
This feels like a trick question? There is no string?…Seven…final answer.
What's the best stress relief advice you've ever been given?
Don’t sweat the small stuff, if you make a mistake, apologise and if you can, fix it.
What’s great about today?
My dog Dexter went missing. Found him. Great Day.
What’s your big idea for 2015?
Artweek Auckland 2015!