New Hundertwasser centre director ‘excited’
The Hundertwasser Art Centre with Wairau Mā ori Art Gallery has hired a Victoria University professor as its new director.
Dr Joost de Bruin starts his new job in May.
He says: ‘‘I see the Hundertwasser Art Centre as a truly unique project that is of enormous importance to Whangā rei and to Northland.
‘‘It’s an authentic Hundertwasser building and one of only two museums in the world that houses an exhibition fully dedicated to Hundertwasser art. It was established in cooperation with the Hundertwasser Non-Profit Foundation in Vienna and it incorporates a partnership with local tangata whenua in Whangā rei, resulting in the first public gallery for contemporary Mā ori art’’.
He says he will ‘‘work tirelessly’’ to ensure that the Hundertwasser Art Centre reaches its ‘‘full potential in terms of visitor numbers, visitor experience as well as staff experience.’’
De Bruin and his family relocated from Ō taki to Whangārei and last year he joined the Hundertwasser Art Centre Training Programme for Tour Guides.
‘‘Over the past year I have developed a much deeper appreciation of Hundertwasser’s art, his vision for a more humane architecture and his ideas about the importance of living in harmony with nature’’, he says.
He is currently an associate professor in media and communication at Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington, previously working as associate dean in the faculty and social sciences.
He also has 15 years of experience in management roles in Dutch New Zealand community projects and has had leadership roles in projects similar to the Hundertwasser Art Centre with Wairau Mā ori Art Gallery such as the Miramar Creative Centre in Wellington and the Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom community and cultural centre in Foxton.
‘‘Having the opportunity to take on the role of the Hundertwasser Art Centre Director is a dream come true,’’ he says.
‘‘It is an honour to contribute to the preservation and celebration of Hundertwasser’s iconic legacy in New Zealand’’.
The Whangā rei Art Trust, formerly the Hātea Art Precinct Trust, is the charitable trust that manages the operations of The Hundertwasser Art Centre.
Dr Jill McPherson, acting chief executive of the trust, says ‘‘Joost is not only passionate about the project, he is also a great leader with a proven track record which will be what the centre needs to continue to thrive, especially in what are still challenging times for tourism and the economy’’.