Announcing our CNZ Te Manu Ka Tau visiting curator: Billy Tang

We are pleased to announce Billy Tang as one of our Creative New Zealand Te Manu Ka Tau visiting curators for 2025.

Billy Tang has just completed his tenure as Executive Director & Curator at Para Site, Hong Kong. He was previously the Senior Curator at Rockbund Art Museum, Shanghai, and Curatorial Director at Magician Space in Beijing. Writing contributions have appeared in ArtAsiaPacific, Leap, Spike Magazine, Terremoto, and Mousse Magazine.

Billy Tang: "Throughout my career, I have dedicated my practice to advancing diversity, cross-cultural dialogue, and amplifying the perspectives of those who have been historically marginalized in the art world, particularly in relation to the distinct art ecosystems across the Asia Pacific region. During my tenure, I guided Para Site through the challenges of the pandemic, developing a holistic program that fostered vital reconnections between Hong Kong, its local communities, and the global art world after a period of profound isolation and political instability.

I am particularly excited to engage with colleagues at Artspace Aotearoa, reflecting on our shared histories of cross-generational dialogue and leadership. Both institutions have long benefited from meaningful exchanges, and I look forward to renewing this tradition—learning from one another’s evolution and exploring new possibilities for collaborative practices of institution-building together."

Billy will arrive at the end of July spending time in Tāmaki Makaurau hosted at Artspace Aotearoa and travel to Ōtutauhi Christchurch, hosted by the Physics Room. Join Billy for his public lecture, Question time at Artspace Aotearoa on Thursday August 7, details on the event page.

Artspace Aotearoa is pleased to deliver the Creative New Zealand Te Manu Ka Tau programme for the visual arts. This essential programme aims to establish an ongoing stake in our artists amongst leading international voices, to generate enduring conversation, and enable concrete engagements and collaborations for our artists and arts organisations in the future.

This kaupapa is presented in association with Creative New Zealand, Office of Contemporary Art, and The Physics Room