Reflections from Billy Tang CNZ Te Manu Ka Tau visiting curator

We recently farewelled Billy Tang our Creative New Zealand Te Manu Ka Tau visiting curator. During his visit Billy met many artists, participated in round table discussions with arts communities, visited Te Wānanga o Aotearoa in Te Awamutu and presented public Question time lectures in Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland and Ōtautahi Christchurch. Billy shared some of his reflections of his time in Aotearoa with us:

"The opportunity to dedicate extensive time on both the North and South Islands proved to be an extremely generative experience. It acted as a powerful catalyst for understanding the unique ecosystems that make Aotearoa unique to the global discussion of how contemporary art should respond to the challenges of our times—including the debates, constructive frictions, and deep connections to the land that inform the distinctive trajectories of the artists, curators, institutions, and communities I encountered. Observing the influence of Indigenous practices, and specifically through Māori philosophies, taught me the importance of grounding ideas and projects within a wider view of common connection and shared histories.

The journey opened my understanding to a broader oceanic context, fundamentally shifting my perspective in relation to the Pacific Islands. When thinking about the semantic shift from Global Minority to Global Majority, I found profound hope in the inter-generational work of cultural revitalization I saw here. This vital process permeated through so many spaces I visited big and small—evident in the reclamation of language, the renewal of material knowledge, the act of gathering, and the sharing of ways of life outside of Western epistemologies—represents a powerful message to communities elsewhere. In many ways, the work I observed here provides a hopeful blueprint for the rest of the world.

I can’t wait to visit again and thank you everyone for the warmth and generosity in hosting me throughout my visit here."

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.

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

A second Te Manu Ka Tau visiting curator will join us later in the year, details to be announced soon.