A continuation and a new beginning _{by Alessia Belsito-Riera}

As Brian Wood stepped into the role of director at New Zealand Portrait Gallery Te Pūkenga Whakaata on the 18^th of August – one he previously occupied during outgoing director Jaenine Parkinson’s parental leave in 2021 – he says it seems “like both a continuation and a new beginning”.

“It feels incredibly special to return – not just to a place I know and love, but to a role where I can help shape the gallery’s future,” Wood says. “Stepping into this role feels like coming home, but with a renewed sense of purpose and possibility. I had a fantastic experience in 2021 and achieved a lot during my time there. I’m looking forward to building on that momentum and continuing the strong exhibition programme. I deeply value the gallery’s role as a storyteller of Aotearoa’s people.”

Since his last time in the director’s seat, Wood has stayed closely connected to the arts and cultural sector, though in vast and varied roles like managing a performing arts company, serving as a trustee for an arts charity, reviewing funding applications, curating exhibitions, and “even working in the wine industry”, which seems surprising without knowing he resides in the beautiful South Wairarapa. This is on top of his previous work spanning marketing, fundraising, curation, and managing public programmes, events, and private art collections.

Originally from the Kapiti Coast, Wood has lived and worked in Wellington on several occasions, as well as in Dunedin, where he studied at Otago Polytechnic, in Auckland, across the ditch in Melbourne, and on the other side of the globe in London. He has held positions with The Dowse Art Museum, Te Omanga Hospice, Royal New Zealand Ballet, City Gallery Wellington Te Whare Toi, and Museums Wellington, all of which have deepened and diversified his portfolio in preparation for his current position at New Zealand Portrait Gallery, which he has big plans for.

“I want the gallery to be a living, evolving space – one that not only reflects New Zealand’s identity but helps shape, inspire, and challenge it,” Wood beams.

With a passion for our histories and a penchant for innovation, he tells me more about his plans for one of the nation’s most preeminent creative spaces.

Thinking back, what made you want to pursue a career in the arts? What do you still love about it?

I have always been a creator and therefore loved the arts. When I was younger, I was living in Australia and saw an exhibition at the Ian Potter Gallery, which was part of the University of Melbourne. I knew then that I wanted to make a career in the sector and followed this impulse by moving to Dunedin to complete a fine art degree. Working in the sector has only increased my passion for creating exhibitions for others to enjoy.

What have been some career highlights?

One major career highlight was working on the first Kiingi Tuheitia Portrait Award in 2021. Such an amazing kaupapa supporting young Māori artists and a really rewarding experience to be part of. It’s great to see this award is going from strength to strength and I am looking forward to the next one in 2027. 

Did you think that the journey would lead you to where you are today?

The end goal was always to be a director of a regional gallery or museum, and I am happy that I have achieved that goal. I am dedicated to making things happen and over the years have worked in marketing, project management, fundraising, and curatorial and exhibition development roles, which have all led me to my current role.

What do you hope to achieve as New Zealand Portrait Gallery director?

I have ambitious plans for the gallery. Essentially, I want the gallery to celebrate and champion Aotearoa’s artists and creativity, stimulate conversations about our national identity and who we are, strengthen and foster belonging and cultural connection, give a voice to underrepresented communities, and connect people to New Zealand’s art, culture, heritage, and diversity through portraiture that illuminates our histories and shared future. I am also keen to reach new audiences through our digital programmes, public programmes, and touring our exhibitions to the regions. On top of all this, I am looking forward to working with our amazing Friends Group on some new fundraising initiatives.

What does being the director of a hugely reputable and influential institution entail?

There are lots of aspects that make up the role and there are challenges ahead. Fundraising is a big part of it, along with looking at the forward programme of activity, leading a small team, purposefully growing our small collection, working directly with artists and collaborating with other institutions, and publishing exhibition catalogues, plus supporting the team with all the amazing projects that we are working on.  

Outside of work do you collect art?

Yes, I do! I am a collector at heart, and I always encourage others to collect. Spend within your means, even if you only buy one item a year – over time you can build a lovely collection. I have a few themes that run through my collection, which includes small paintings, textiles, ceramics, and, of course, portraits. By collecting you are very directly supporting the whole arts ecosystem.

What would you say to someone who has never been to New Zealand Portrait Gallery before to convince them to come check it out?

We are very approachable; our front of house team is run by volunteers who are very welcoming. The gallery has changing exhibitions that focus on people and place. Our tagline is ‘Encounter stories of New Zealanders through the art of portraiture’ and that sums us up in a very contemporary way. Our exhibitions include photography, painting, drawing, video work, and sculpture and we are always free entry for New Zealand residents. We look forward to welcoming you!