Media Release
Friday 2 June 2017
Christchurch’s Centre of Contemporary Art Toi Moroki (CoCA) announced today that Artistic Director Paula Orrell is
departing to explore new opportunities.
Orrell joined CoCA in 2015, moving from the UK to take on the role.
At the time she joined, CoCA’s Gloucester Street gallery was completing its extensive earthquake repairs and
refurbishment and re-establishing itself with all new staff and a new vision to stimulate conversations about
contemporary life through contemporary art.
Amidst this transition period to reopening, Orrell curated a critically-acclaimed opening exhibition reflecting on
Christchurch’s status at the time, dubbed Precarious Balance. She went on to curate or support the curation of four further exhibitions and extensive public programmes, including
the most recent exhibition by celebrated British artist David Shrigley - David Shrigley: Lose Your Mind, a British Council touring exhibition.
CoCA’s outgoing Chair Kristina Pickford said, “Paula showed tremendous tenacity in moving across the world to help
establish a reopening gallery and quickly built strong networks in the local arts community.
“She performed with great passion and commitment and we are grateful for everything Paula has done to build the
reputation of CoCA as a contemporary art centre making world-class art accessible to local audiences.
“Her efforts have added more life and colour to Christchurch’s cultural scene and we wish her every success in her next
endeavour.”
Orrell said, “It has been a tremendous journey and experience transporting my life to Christchurch, and working for
CoCA. We have achieved an incredible amount in the last few years with the great support of a wonderful board and a
dedicated team. I am setting sail back to the UK to ground myself once again. It feels like the best time to leave this
wonderful organisation as we have created the foundations for CoCA to breathe new life into the cultural scene of
Christchurch and support the city as it reemerges from the earthquakes”
Orrell plans to return home to the UK. Her resignation will take effect in June 2017. Curator Khye Hitchcock will be
taking the lead curating role for CoCA until a permanent appointment is made.
ENDS