Carla and her husband Adam – at home amongst art.
In a nutshell, tell us about your role with the NZ Art Show.
As Executive Director and Creative Director, since 2004 I have had the privilege of overseeing all aspects of the show, from its strategic direction to its creative vision.
How and why did you get involved with the show?
I became involved with the New Zealand Art Show from its inception in 2004, when my mother and a group of like-minded Wellingtonians established the event to create a platform that directly connected artists with the public. At the time, I had just returned from four years in Taiwan, where I had been working in Chinese language education – completely unrelated to the arts. Without a clear career plan, I was drawn to the idea of helping build something meaningful. My initial role was to curate the artists for the first show, and by 2005, I had taken on the responsibility of managing the entire event. For me, this role is far more than a job – it is a passion.
As both Executive Director and Creative Director, I have the privilege of shaping an event that champions artists, fosters creativity and brings people together. I have always loved the arts, and while I am not an artist myself, I have spent my life supporting creatives in various ways. Seeing the impact the show has on artists’ careers, and witnessing the joy it brings to audiences, is incredibly rewarding. The New Zealand Art Show is more than just an event; it’s a platform for artistic growth, a celebration of creativity, and a testament to the power of art to connect and inspire.
What’s your specific role in making the show happen between now and King’s Birthday weekend? And what will you be busy doing between now and show-time? Favourite things? Trickiest/weirdest things? Things people might not expect…?
As Executive Director and Creative Director, my role in bringing the New Zealand Art Show to life is all-encompassing – from strategic planning to creative curation, sponsorship, marketing, and logistics. In the months leading up to the show, my focus is on ensuring every element aligns seamlessly to create an inspiring, high-quality event for both artists and audiences. Between now and the show, I’ll be working closely with our team to finalise artist selections, refine the layout and visitor experience, and coordinate marketing efforts to maximise reach.
Engaging with sponsors, media, and key stakeholders is also a priority, as their support is crucial to the show’s success. At the same time, I’m focused on innovating, ensuring we keep the event fresh, exciting, and relevant. My favourite part of the lead-up is working with the artists – discovering new talent, seeing their passion, and helping them prepare for what could be a career-changing moment. There’s nothing quite like the energy of bringing an artist’s work into a space where thousands of people will experience it!
The trickiest part? Managing the sheer scale of moving parts – ensuring every artwork is presented at its best, coordinating logistics and troubleshooting the inevitable last-minute challenges.
One of the weirdest but most rewarding things is watching the transformation of an empty venue into a vibrant, immersive art experience in just a matter of days. It’s an intense, high-pressure process, but when the doors open and people walk in, it’s all worth it.
Something people might not expect? The emotional side of it all. Art is deeply personal, and for many artists, exhibiting can be both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. Helping them feel supported, ensuring they have a great experience and seeing them succeed is one of the most fulfilling aspects of my role.
What are you most looking forward to in this year’s show?
This year, I’m most looking forward to the renewed focus on emerging artists. After 22 years of growth, we’re returning to our roots by creating more opportunities for new talent to shine. There’s something incredibly exciting about discovering fresh voices and watching their work resonate with the public. I can’t wait to see how these artists will impact the show and the broader art community.
As an art collector since your late teens, can you share some of the favourite pieces you’ve collected from the past 21 shows?
When you reflect on some of the best stories and anecdotes from shows over the years, what springs to mind?
One of my most memorable moments was at our very first show, when an artist who had just started out with us sold their very first piece of art. The excitement and gratitude they expressed were so genuine – it was a defining moment, not just for them, but for the entire show. It reminded me of why we do what we do: to provide a platform for artists to thrive.
Another heartwarming story comes from a couple of years ago when a young artist was struggling with the pressure of putting together their first exhibit. On the opening day, they were overwhelmed by the crowd’s positive reception, and I remember seeing their eyes light up as they realised their work was being appreciated by so many people. That moment of validation and confidence-building was truly special.
One of the most surprising stories was when we had an artist who was very new to the art scene, almost unknown, and they received an unexpected offer from a prestigious gallery at the show. The offer came completely out of the blue and was a testament to the power of the event to connect artists with new opportunities. It was incredible to see how quickly things can change for an artist, and it really underscored the impact the show can have on artists’ careers.
Ultimately, the most inspiring stories are those where artists gain the confidence to pursue their creative dreams full-time or take their work to new heights. Hearing about the careers and personal growth of the artists who’ve been a part of the show over the years is the best part of my role – it’s why I’m so passionate about continuing to evolve and support the New Zealand Art Show.
The art show is known for being inclusive and accessible. How has that shaped its evolution?
The goal has always been to make the show welcoming to everyone – whether you’re a first-time buyer or a seasoned collector. Our vision has always been for every New Zealand home or office to have an original piece of New Zealand art, and that’s as true today as it was when we first started out.
That’s why it’s a cash-and-carry event. People can buy art and take it home that day, which makes it more accessible.
What’s new and exciting about the 2025 show?
We’re making a concerted effort to highlight emerging artists. We want to be the platform that helps launch their careers.
We’re also putting a greater focus on small sculpture, making it more accessible for buyers. And as always, we’ll have a mix of established favourites and fresh talent – 25% of our artists this year are completely new to the show.
Another exciting development is behind-the-scenes video content. We’ve never done much video work before, but this year, we’re offering more insight into the artists and the process behind the scenes of the show.
In your 22 years running the show, what has been your biggest lesson?
Art is entirely in the eye of the beholder. I’ve learned not to predict what will sell – because I never know! The biggest lesson overall, though, is to trust my gut, not sweat the small stuff – and to focus on what really matters.
And finally, what has been the biggest reward?
Seeing artists grow. Some started with us part-time and are now successful full-time artists, with some even exhibiting internationally. Knowing that the show has played a role in their journey is incredibly rewarding.
Also, the fact that we’ve given over $200,000 back to artists through awards and grants makes me immensely proud. The New Zealand Art Show isn’t just an event – it’s a community, a launchpad and a celebration of creativity in Aotearoa.
