Every artist, every creator dreams of taking their mahi to new audiences.

Whether that’s across town, across the country or across the globe. To make those dreams a reality takes more than just connections with a buyer, a gallery or an auction house - getting it there safely is as pivotal as the sale itself.

As anyone who has received a package late, dented or broken can attest to - the journey is where the real danger can be.

Step in Chris Streeter.

He’s taken on the task of getting the work of Aotearoa creatives to its destination as General Manager of Crown Fine Art NZ - part of international logistics powerhouse Crown Worldwide.

“I was already in the industry,” he offers. “I’ve been installing, packing and transporting collections locally and across NZ freelance for many years now.

“Risk is always present. Whether the work is on display or in transit - even in deep storage, there is a degree of risk. The job is around how to minimise that risk to a level that is acceptable.”

Streeter knows that risk can be tough on individuals and small organisations, as well as those who are responsible for managing the movement of artwork of all shapes and sizes for large institutions.

“Stress certainly comes into play if things arise that aren't expected, but I guess the idea is to try and plan for all of those eventualities and make sure that the chain of custody is tight."

The new gig

His new job is just that - a new job.

It’s a new venture, explains Crown NZ’s Managing Director Leon Hulme. “We believe (establishing) a Fine Art brand aligns with one of our founding core values - quality. Specifically in NZ, we see a need for a service that can support the customer and the art.”

Rather than pay lip service to the ‘art’ part of the title, Crown was determined for a sector-led appointment, opening discussions with a number of galleries that led to being put in contact with Streeter.

Hulme describes listening to the sector as “critical”, adding “You either know how to do this or you don’t. It’s imperative the candidate shares the passion for the works and really understands the responsibility. They must know the language and have the reputation - because our customers have to have the trust.”

Streeter reveals “It was a surprise to me to get a phone call suggesting that Crown was looking for someone and that I fit the bill. I definitely see my skills as being - across the board - a perfect match up for the role.”

Once the ball was rolling, there was no question Crown had found their man. “He has the knowledge, the experience, understands the responsibility, has the trust and shares the passion for the art - all that as well as being a great guy!”

Dream job

It’s not often in life you land a job that seems legitimately made for you. Streeter has every right to feel that way, with his extremely unique skill set and a lifelong connection with both creativity and logistics.

“It's been there since I was a very small child, to be honest,” Streeter smiles. “I used to have a little suitcase. I'd walk around with crayons and paper in it.”

With a stacked and eclectic CV that includes extensive experience in the screen, arts, advertising and logistics industries, Streeter has found himself combining his passions in a position that will make life easier for many in the sector.

He also knows a fair bit about the importance of trust. Streeter worked in many roles during a seven year stint working for Sir Peter Jackson - both making props and models for the Lord of the Rings trilogy and King Kong - as well being the director’s personal armorer.

“Obviously, there was some trust there, in the way that I carried myself. It's not the kind of role that you would necessarily give to anyone. So I'd like to think that the way I am and my personality had some play in that.”

Understanding art

As Crown Fine Arts inaugural GM, Streeter will be extending his knowledge to a whole new level - using his talent for collaboration to help this county’s artworks find their way safely to their destination.

“I see my role as one of a temporary caregiver or custodian. I’m looking at how best to accomplish the movement of our taonga from one space to another with the least amount of risk possible.  

“It’s looking to provide additional support to those invested in preserving the country's heritage and art - from the artists through to the institution. So I’d like to think that we're helping to facilitate not only NZ, but the rest of the world getting to see and enjoy more of our country's beautiful and incredible work.

“Being creative - and in this sector - generates a great deal of satisfaction, especially when working with others who also care about the work and share the same passion.”

It’s something he’s done umpteen times at some of the country’s top institutions - Streeter’s intimate knowledge of exhibition design, fabrication and installation of art installations and projects leaves him feeling well prepared to handle any incoming inquiry.

“I’d like to think that we'd be able to work in unison, side-by-side to tailor solutions that best cater to the artwork. Things like empathy for materials, being able to see it spatially, look at its const

ituent parts and have an understanding of what those parts mean as a whole - they all help.”

Deep in the details

The concept of breaking in a new position rather than slotting into one with confines was certainly a selling point to Streeter. So too was the chance to sink his teeth into some pretty incredible resources.

“When Leon approached me, I could absolutely see the potential. Crown Worldwide is the absolute best resource to have available - the support and the network, in my opinion, are second to none. Crown already have many dedicated Fine Art branches around the world, and I definitely have their support so, as you can see, the reach is fantastic.

“New Zealand has its own needs and requirements but I look forward to catching up with those branches, hearing their stories and seeing where there's some overlap - where we can work together and maybe come up with some better solutions for the industry.”

What he has to work with also excites Streeter.

“We have made significant investments in the sector - without the promise of business, but also without compromise. In those investments, we've seen the needs of the community, and we've responded to that. 

“We have broken ground on a brand new 4 green star-rated facility. It has a separate and dedicated 1000m² of secure storage build to IL3 Standard - that’s the same as a hospital. It has state of the art temperature and humidity control, security, air locked load in and the list goes on.

“On top of that, there’s a 55m³ truck with a huge air ride suspension system, insulated body also with temperature and humidity control, date logging, internal cameras, all the bells and whistles.

“So my goal here is to get this moving and be a trusted partner. Having those facilities available for the people in the industry is really where the impact is for artists, creatives and people in the sector.” 

Written in partnership with Crown Fine Art NZ - to find out how to best move your artwork across the motu and overseas, click here.