Don’t ask

Creative New Zealand have responded to our post questioning their talk-or-walk policy for selecting participants in the Venice Biennale. The Sunday Star Times (22 Feb 08) confirmed the requirement was included in documents to be signed before artists could put their names in the hat. This is also supported by Chairman Alastair Carruthers who says, “... it’s actually a valid questioning in those circumstances, to ask applicants what their willingness is to participate in all the communication around it.” We’d say Alastair Carruthers is deeply ingenuous to claim “willingness” had anything to do with it. It was a requirement of the application. Agree to talk the talk or you don't get into the walk pile.

Carruthers also attempted to brush off OTN’s disagreement with CNZ policy as “aggressive” - LOL.

You can read the full text of the CNZ response on OTN Stuff here.