ABOUT THE TEAM

Behind the success of the NZ Art Show is a small team who operate year-round to deliver the best art show of its kind.

WILD IDEAS EVENT MANAGEMENT is contracted to manage and operate the NZ Art Show. Meet the team:

Carla Russell

Executive Director

Carla Russell
Ngāti Raukawa | Ngāti Mutunga o Whare Kauri

A 2016 finalist for Wellingtonian of the Year (Arts Category) and a 2019 Kiwibank Local Hero Award recipient, Carla Russell has been the Executive Director of the NZ Art Show | Whakaatu Toi since its inception in 2004. A dedicated Wellingtonian, Carla has been instrumental in growing the NZ Art Show into New Zealand’s largest art event dedicated to showcasing and supporting local artists.

The NZ Art Show pioneered the art market scene in New Zealand and is proud to call Wellington its home, remaining deeply committed to the city’s cultural landscape. In recognition of its impact and success, the NZ Art Show won its category in the Gold Awards 2023.

With a visionary approach, creative thinking, and exceptional operational and management skills, Carla has helped shape the show’s success over its 22-year history. Passionate about fostering connections between artists, collectors, and the wider community, she continues to innovate and expand the reach of New Zealand art.

Carla also sits on the organising committee for the Women of Pōneke, a Wellington group dedicated to inspiring and connecting the women of the city.

Contact Carla if you have any queries about the show or if you are interested in becoming a friend, sponsor or corporate partner—carla@artshow.co.nz.

NZ ART SHOW

Phone: 04 387 4370
Postal: PO Box 14817, Wellington 6241
Office: 105 Lyall Parade, Lyall Bay, Wellington 6022

Midge Murray

Communications Manager

Midge  started working with the show in 2005 and has a creative background in radio, theatre and film, communications, design and art, and event management.

Contact Midge at midge@artshow.co.nz.

Claire Cairns

Artist Liaison

Claire joined our team in 2021 and is a qualified accountant. She was group accountant for Z Energy before starting a family. Her keen eye for detail brings a fresh new energy to the team.

If you have any queries about exhibiting in the show please contact Claire at artists@artshow.co.nz

MARKETING

If you have any marketing enquiries please contact us at kiaora@artshow.co.nz

DIRECTORS

The Directors of the NZ Art Show are Anne Stephenson (Chair), Neil Paviour-Smith, Frances Russell, Jane Hart and David Foot.