Artspace and Tautai Contemporary Pacific Arts Trust are very pleased to announce Ioana Gordon-Smith as the recipient of their inaugural Education Internship. This new initiative recognises the importance and value of Artspace engaging with New Zealand's growing community of young Pacific Islanders in a meaningful and sustainable way.

Ioana’s academic background and experience made her the perfect person to lead this new project. Ioana comes to the role with a Bachelor of Arts (hons.) in Art History from Victoria University in Wellington. She is currently the part-time curator at Objectspace and has worked closely with the Auckland Pacific arts community, recently coordinating the performance series 'More than we know' commissioned by Tautai for the steps of the Gus Fisher Gallery.

Ioana will start in her role in April, and will work to foster an education programme that encourages interaction with local schools, and primary, secondary and tertiary students in Auckland with particular emphasis on reaching and engaging Pacific students at these institutions. She says, “I am extremely honoured to be offered this internship. Artspace provides an important space for critical discourse and innovative programming. I'm excited to work towards developing an accessible and engaging education programme for a diverse audience."

Ioana interviewed with Caterina Riva of Artspace, Christina Jeffery of Tautai and artist Janet Lilo, who were very impressed with her communication skills, her understanding of the internship and the energy and ideas she will bring to the role.

Artspace director Caterina Riva says “We received many strong caliber applications and had great interviewees, we are really excited to offer the internship to Ioana and we are looking forward to working with her on improving Artspace’s outreach and enriching our education programming”.

The internship has been made possible by a grant from Creative New Zealand’s Sector Development Incentive fund that will allow three, nine-month appointments.