Govett-Brewster Curator named in Edinburgh Festivals cohort

Taarati Taiaroa, Govett-Brewster Art Gallery’s Ringahāpai Kaitakatū Ngā Toi Māori - Assistant Curator Contemporary Māori Art, has been named a Momentum delegate for Edinburgh’s famed August festivals season.

The Momentum international delegate programme brings together curators, creative entrepreneurs, funders, media professionals, officials, producers and programmers from all over the world to immerse themselves in this unrivalled showcase of global cultural excellence.

Each Momentum delegate is provided with an individually-tailored schedule of activities, briefings and meetings to help foster collaboration and exchange. The aim is to encourage new international partnerships, as well as investment in and collaboration with Edinburgh’s festivals and the wider arts sector in Scotland.

Through Creative New Zealand’s partnership with British Council New Zealand and the Pacific, the Momentum programme is delivered by Festivals Edinburgh; and is supported by the British Council Scotland, and Creative Scotland, with additional support from City of Edinburgh Council and EventScotland.

Taarati and her fellow Momentum delegate, writer and Verb Festival Director Claire Mabey, will join 15 other artists participating in the Edinburgh Festivals Intensive programme.

Natasha Beckman, Director of the British Council New Zealand and the Pacific, says a return to Edinburgh is so important to help restore relationships after the pandemic.

“We’re thrilled to announce the 17 New Zealand artists that will be able to soak up all that Edinburgh’s festivals offer. Our work is to build connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide, and to create reciprocal opportunities that are rewarding,” says Beckman.

Taarati is currently working on her first show as Ringahāpai Kaitakatū Ngā Toi Māori with the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery | Len Lye Centre, Te Hau Whakatonu | A Series of Never-Ending Beginnings, which opens on 5 August.

With thanks to Lucy Orbell, Creative New Zealand and British Council Scotland.