Take Care / E Tiaki was a 3-month project guided and curated by Sonja van Kerkhoff.

For many artists around the world, global disruptions have caused a drastic drop in opportunities for careers and output. Regular working lifestyles overseas have become severely restricted due to repeated episodes of Covid-19 lockdowns. New Zealand’s success in becoming an almost Covid-free zone, means our artists have the rare privilege of being able to continue to work freely, in and around NZ.

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Beginning in January 2021, 14 selected NZ artists were partnered with contemporary overseas artists from countries more stricken by COVID-19; to become stewards (kaitiaki) of their partner’s artwork. In consultation with their overseas artist, the role of the NZ artist is to create a space - place (turangawaewae) for their partner’s work.

The caretaking roles are fluid with some artists caring for works for more than one overseas-based artist, and with ancillary projects that involve multiple artists. The aim is to transverse the global interruptions caused by the virus, via virtual, digital, conceptual and relational means. All participating artists are open to the 'sharing and caring' concept, where their roles and relationships explore stewardship as an artform.

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Updates on the project, here

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