Te Tuhi Announces Suzy Park As New Curator
Suzy has held curatorial roles at the 2024 Busan Biennale, BOAN1942, and WESS, and was the editor of the respected art journal B-Art. Her practice spans contemporary visual art, time-based media, and interdisciplinary work, with a focus on projects that push boundaries and ask complex questions. Grounded in curiosity and intellectual rigour, Suzy's work explores how the fundamental nature of art is perceived differently across time and place – and how its inherent values might be explored through the interplay of form and content.
Te Tuhi first connected with Suzy when presenting three New Zealand artists at the 2024 Busan Biennale. That experience affirmed a shared curatorial vision rooted in integrity, curiosity, and experimentation.
Suzy joins Te Tuhi at a moment of transformation. With gallery spaces currently closed for essential repairs and upgrades, the team is using this time to reflect, plan, and prepare for a new phase of programming. In her first months, Suzy will relocate to Tāmaki Makaurau and begin shaping the 2026 exhibition programme.
Suzy will be joining a skilled and quietly ambitious team:
• Andrew Kennedy, Exhibition Programme Manager, whose 13-year history with Te Tuhi has seen the development of some of its most ambitious shows;
• Dr Vera Mey, International Programme Manager At Large, an art historian and curator with a global research and curatorial practice;
• Liam Jacobson, Curatorial Intern and rising voice in Aotearoa's art world.
The team is supported by Executive Director Hiraani Himona (Ngāi Te Whatuiāpiti, Ngāti Rangiwhakāewa, Ngāti Hikarara), whose leadership is informed by decades of work across the arts, Māori development, youth empowerment, disability rights, gender, and sexuality.
Supporting quotes
On being offered the Curator position, Suzy said:
'I've been questioning how the fundamental nature of art has been understood differently across time. Yet some questions remain unresolved without stepping beyond familiar ground. Joining Te Tuhi, an institution with a remarkable 50-year legacy of continuously supporting artistic experimentation and expanding internationalism grounded in locality, offers a rare opportunity to rethink the nature of art across different geographies. Aotearoa New Zealand's unique cultural and historical context, shaped over centuries, sustains a deeply resonant art scene today. What excites me most is the chance to engage with artists here through both fresh eyes and long-held questions. I'm truly grateful to the Te Tuhi team for inviting me to be part of this journey.'
On Suzy's appointment, Te Tuhi's Executive Director Hiraani Himona said: 'Our team and artists loved working with Suzy in Korea, and we're thrilled she was so enthusiastic about joining us in Aotearoa. Her curatorial approach resonates deeply with Te Tuhi's values – community-minded, collaborative, and socially engaged. Suzy brings with her a fresh international perspective and a deep commitment to artists, which will be a tremendous asset as we grow our programme and continue shaping the next 50 years of Te Tuhi.'
About Te Tuhi:
Te Tuhi is a leading platform for contemporary art in Aotearoa New Zealand, with a programme consciously and continually shaped towards rigorous, adventurous and socially engaged artistic experimentation. Te Tuhi's primary focus is on commissioning both national and international artists to make new work by creating stimulating contexts for artists to respond to and work within.
Te Tuhi presents work in its galleries in Pakuranga and Parnell, around Auckland and Aotearoa, internationally and online. Te Tuhi offers artists and curators opportunities to develop their practice through studios, awards, residencies and internships both in Aotearoa and overseas. Integrated with its exhibitions, Te Tuhi provides public programmes for general audiences and for schools.
Te Tuhi has been embedded in its local community for 50 years, delivering arts and cultural experiences for schools, young people, community groups and people of all backgrounds and ages. Arts Out East is Te Tuhi's community arts brokering programme for the Howick Local Board area in East Auckland. Te Tuhi operates O Wairoa Marae, an urban marae in Howick; Te Tuhi Café, Aotearoa's first training café for people with intellectual disabilities; and Te Taiwhanga Taiohi, East Auckland's Youth Space in Botany Town Centre. Te Tuhi's building in Pakuranga also hosts a vast range of independent community groups.
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