SCAPE Public Art announces Emma Bugden new Managing Curator
Curator and writer to make SCAPE selections for the next three years

New Zealander Emma Bugden, is announced as the new Managing Curator of SCAPE Public Art, responsible for the selected exhibition element of the SCAPE Public Art Season 2019 through to 2021, a three-year tenure.

Bugden has carved out a career in the arts over two decades. She is a recognised curator, writer, editor and contemporary art maven holding key roles including Senior Curator at the Dowse Art Museum in Lower Hutt, Director of the Physics Room in Christchurch, Director of ARTSPACE in Auckland, Curatorial Director at Te Tuhi Centre for the Arts in Auckland, and Curator at City Gallery Wellington.

Originally trained as an artist, she has worked as a curator for both independent spaces and public art museums, holding key leadership roles within the sector. She has worked with over 100 artists to realise ambitious and challenging exhibitions that have toured New Zealand. Bugden has a reputation as a fierce advocate for artists with a passionate belief in the power of art to transform and enrich communities.

Bugden has served on numerous panels and trusts. She was New Zealand Nominator for the Signature Art Prize 2018 at the Singapore Art Museum and a Juror for the 2016 Walters Prize.

“It is wonderful to have the opportunity to work with SCAPE and I feel energised to work with artists in city spaces to present public art to excite and engage viewers of all ages,” said Bugden. “I have watched the Seasons develop over the years, evolving into a high voltage art event that measures the city’s heartbeat and puts the results where everybody can see them."

The announcement comes after the completion of a three-year curatorial term by Heather Galbraith, Professor of Fine Arts at Massey University, who worked with dozens of artists over that time to select artworks that have been developed, commissioned, and sited in response to the central city of Ōtautahi Christchurch.

The art trail the selected artworks create, and SCAPE’s wider programme of events, has become synonymous with Christchurch in spring – drawing large crowds both locally, nationally and internationally. Over 20 years, SCAPE Public Art has become the largest producer of new contemporary artwork in New Zealand.

“We are absolutely delighted to bring Emma on board and know she will make a meaningful contribution as we grow and build on the excellent legacy of artistic direction over the last twenty years of SCAPE,” said Deborah McCormick, Executive Director of SCAPE Public Art.

“We started our careers at the same time in Christchurch, I was setting up our first exhibition on a model based on art and industry in public spaces while Emma was Director of The Physics Room. We are excited to work together and share in her extensive national and international experience gained from working as a curator, writer and professional art judge.”

Bugden’s artwork selection will be on show in a range of spaces around Christchurch forming part of a broader six-week event for the city between Saturday 5 October – Saturday 16 November 2019.

ENDS