Creative NZ commits to Venice despite 'portaloo' row

Creative New Zealand is committed to retaining a presence at one of the world's most important arts events, despite criticism over its previous entry.

The arts body said New Zealand would have an exhibition at the Venice Art Biennale in 2009 after a report, released yesterday, showed unanimous support for an ongoing presence.

New Zealand also exhibited in 2001, 2003 and 2005.

But the report also recommended that the artist and curator selected, or a member of the creative team, must be willing to promote the product to the New Zealand community and media.

The report called for improved management of public relations, citing the major failure of the 2005 campaign as not anticipating negative publicity.

Wellington-based media were particularly unforgiving to Auckland artist Merilyn Tweedie, who headed the "et al" collective that created the work Fundamental Practice, but refused to take part in publicity.

National's Katherine Rich said the recommendations were a step in the right direction.

"No one is questioning whether New Zealand should be involved [in Venice]. My beef was with selecting an artist who wouldn't front to promote the work, or promote New Zealand, and whose artwork did not reflect a Kiwi flavour.

"Creative NZ would be silly to select another person who won't talk to media at all."

The report also praised the New Zealand team's achievements despite a modest $500,000-per-entry budget - though it suggested getting further funds for future entries - and noted the success of Fundamental Practice.

The work - described by some as a portaloo that brayed like a donkey and thought too obscure to have an impact - received critical acclaim in Venice.

London art magazine Contemporary said the piece was "brilliant", while Washington gallerist Dr Joseph DiGangi said it was "quite avant garde and rather powerful".

The report - by Sydney-based company SGS: Economics and Planning - noted the value of participating in Venice, particularly in light of the ongoing success and recognition of New Zealand's creative sector.

"The overwhelming view was that New Zealand had made an increasing impression over the last three events."

Creative NZ chief executive Elizabeth Kerr welcomed the report, but declined to comment on the selection process recommendation.