BACK OF HOUSE - Documentary Part 2

Part two of a two part documentary capturing behind-the-scenes of the installation, opening and duration of the ‘Back of House’ suite of exhibitions at Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery in 2023.

The kaupapa for ‘Back of House’ the exhibition turning the tables on the art gallery, plundering those hidden engine rooms that support the public presentation of art: the office, storeroom, studio, workshop, and archive, gives us the opportunity to make visible, and audible, our own lesser-seen operation. As a result we have captured the exhibition installation and ongoing engagement through more than our usual means. As well as in-process photography, time lapses and a special sonic audio response, we have worked with Ted Whitaker, to produce a two part documentary capturing our behind-the-scenes working.

In this second part we check in with the public programmes coordination and research being undertaken during the exhibition run. The documentary tracks the changes in staffing the gallery faced during the exhibition and highlights the way the gallery engages with its university environment as well as the broader public. Highlighted in particular is the hui ‘Gloves On’, a day-long programme of talks and presentations, aimed at non-public facing exhibition staff, registrars, collection managers and technicians working behind the scenes from around the motu. An inter-organisational initiative lead by Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery in partnership with National Services Te Paerangi, ‘Gloves On’ sought to build capacity, connection and collaboration across the sector.

Video production: Ted Whitaker

‘Back of House’, August 12 - 29 October 2023, Te Pātaka Toi Adam Art Gallery.