Christchurch Art Gallery appointed as delivery partner for 2026 Venice Biennale

Creative New Zealand has appointed Christchurch Art Gallery as its delivery partner for La Biennale di Venezia which involves the curation of Aotearoa New Zealand’s national pavilion – the country’s official exhibition at the 2026 Venice Biennale.

The new partnership ensures the project’s day-to-day management is overseen by a partner with extensive expertise in the curation and delivery of large-scale exhibitions. 

New Zealand Commissioner for the Venice Biennale and Arts Council Chair Kent Gardner enthused “we’re thrilled to have a partner with the expertise and vision to deliver an excellent presentation at Venice following on from 2024’s historic number of invited New Zealand artists.”

For the 2026 national pavilion, the Gallery has chosen to work with esteemed artist Fiona Pardington MNZM (Kāi Tahu, Kāti Mamoe, Ngāti Kahungunu, Clan Cameron of Erracht).

Gallery Director Blair Jackson is delighted the gallery is working with such an exceptional artist and advised "Fiona has an impressive history of practice that spans more than four decades. 

“She is rightly renowned for the emotional intensity of her photographs and responsible for some of the most memorable images in contemporary Aotearoa New Zealand artmaking. Her ability to convey the intangible makes viewing her works a powerful and exhilarating experience.”

After first drawing recognition in the 1980s, Pardington’s work has continued to evolve, most often operating within, and extending, the still-life genre.

Her evocative photographs of taonga and other objects from museum collections are sharply attentive to context and history while retaining an elusive quality.

Pardington says being asked to exhibit in Aotearoa New Zealand’s national pavilion in Venice is an unexpected and extraordinary moment in her career and shared “I am deeply honoured and humbled by this incredible opportunity to represent Aotearoa at the Venice Biennale. I am profoundly grateful that my work is appreciated like this and for all the people furiously paddling the waka who have brought me to this point.”

Jackson says the Gallery’s experienced and highly skilled team is looking forward to supporting Pardington’s exhibition within this special context, to bring the art of Aotearoa to an international audience.

Jackson added “creative collaboration with artists is what powers us as an institution, and it’s a privilege to be able to set the direction for 2026. 

Stephen Wainwright, Creative New Zealand’s Chief Executive says Christchurch Art Gallery has had a long association with Venice and adds “The Gallery’s team has been affiliated with Aotearoa New Zealand’s presence at the Biennale for many years, including in 2009, 2011, and 2013 when former director Jenny Harper was the Commissioner.

 “It’s great to build upon this history, while creating an opportunity for New Zealand curators to work in the extraordinary and historic environment of the Venice Biennale.”

Image. Artist Fiona Pardington will work with Christchurch Art Gallery to curate New Zealand's official exhibition at the 2026 Venice Biennale. Credit: Christchurch City Council