Independent public art producer SCAPE Public Art has appointed Ōtautahi-based curator, writer and arts leader Aaron Kreisler as its next Managing Curator.
Kreisler is Head of Creative and Digital Arts at the University of Canterbury and former Head of the Ilam School of Fine Arts. He succeeds curator Tyson Campbell, whose term concluded earlier this year, and will work across SCAPE’s 2026-2027 public art programme.
A freelance curator and award-winning arts commentator, Kreisler previously worked at Dunedin Public Art Gallery, where he produced more than 50 exhibitions, including international collaborations such as Artists from Aotearoa/New Zealand with a co-curator from the Frankfurter Kunstverein and Where do I end and you begin, with co-curators from Edinburgh’s City Art Centre.
SCAPE Public Art Executive Director Rachel Jefferies says the organisation is excited to welcome Kreisler into the role.
“Aaron brings a thoughtful curatorial approach, significant experience and strong connections across the arts sector. His understanding of contemporary public art and artist development will be a real asset for SCAPE as we continue to evolve our programme.
“We aim to facilitate projects that are ambitious, engaging and capable of sparking conversation, and still grounded in the experience of Ōtautahi Christchurch. Aaron brings the insight and leadership to help shape that next chapter for SCAPE.”
Kreisler says he is interested in how public art can create new ways for people to experience the city and engage with contemporary ideas.
“I think temporary public art should be more than placeholders, and I see this as a chance to commission work that reveals and responds to the historical, social and cultural residues of sites in the city that lie psychologically just below the surface in our shared public consciousness.
I am interested in how the artworks can create experiences that resonate well beyond the moment of engagement and generate new discussions and perspectives that shift how we see and understand this city.”
The 2026–2027 programme of new temporary public art commissions across the city will be announced progressively throughout the year.
As Managing Curator, Kreisler will work with artists and industry partners to develop and deliver SCAPE’s future public art programme.
Founded in 1998, SCAPE Public Art has delivered 18 seasons of temporary public art projects and installed 19 permanent artworks across Ōtautahi Christchurch and Rolleston. The charitable organisation is supported by businesses, donors, grant funders, Christchurch City Council and Creative New Zealand, with more than 85 percent of its funding sourced privately.