Party on

When Te Papa’s first exhibition Pictura Britannica turned controversial, the project curator told The Sunday Times that in future Te Papa would undertake a risk assessment before accepting international contemporary art exhibitions. Maybe their assessments all gave the thumbs down, because they’ve never taken another one. Risk Management figures high in art institutional thinking, and a great example is CNZ’s recent press release for the Venice Biennale. Sent out as a media release online, it appeared on RSS around 10.08 on Tuesday. One of the items within the 300+ word release read as follows.

5-7pm opening exhibition party for Francis Upritchard at Fondazione Claudio Buziol
 7-9pm opening exhibition party for Judy Millar at La Maddalena

Sounds good.

But two minutes later the same release is sent out again. Well, not quite the same.

5-7pm opening exhibition event for Francis Upritchard at Fondazione Claudio Buziol
 7-9pm opening exhibition event for Judy Millar at La Maddalena

Ok, in this instance CNZ was unlucky, they haven’t quite caught onto how RSS works. What it does show, however, is an institution trying to manipulate how we will perceive what is going on. Not a party (fun, drunkenness, staff taking their clothes off) but an event (speeches, handshaking and muted conversation).

You can see the full list of the seven generally accepted rules of risk free communication here on OTN Stuff. The two CNZ have trouble with are:

• Accept and involve the public as a legitimate partner.
• Be honest, frank, and open.