Te Papa strengthens its commitment to art

31 May 2012

Te Papa, in partnership with the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, has appointed the Gallery's Senior Curator, Mary Kisler, to lead the Museum's art team initially for the next six months. This signals a strengthening of Te Papa's commitment to art with the aim of exhibiting more of the nation's art more often.

"This is a critical role for the Museum as we set a new direction for the future of art. Mary brings a depth of talent and expertise and through her leadership we aim to develop a new proposition for art at Te Papa," says Michael Houlihan, Te Papa Chief Executive.

Chris Saines, Auckland Art Gallery Director, adds "This is an opportunity for the Gallery to support the aspirations of our National Museum in a truly collaborative way, which will enable Te Papa's art collections to be enjoyed by more people throughout New Zealand."

Mary will share her time between Te Papa and her role with the Auckland Art Gallery as a Senior Curator, where she cares for the Mackelvie Collection and International Art.

Mary graduated with an MA First Class Honours in Italian and Art History from the University of Auckland in 1992; she worked as a tutor and lecturer at the University, before joining the Auckland Art Gallery in 1998. She is well published and has travelled widely both as a researcher and as a private lover of art. Mary is much in demand for lectures and exhibition talks and, since 2001, has been a regular commentator on art on National Radio’s Saturday Morning programme, presented by Kim Hill.

Media contact

Roxan Mathys, Manager, Communications (Acting)
029 601 0180 or (04) 381 7083
media@tepapa.govt.nz