Spanning 2018–2023, the HUMcard digital mailout was a special communication, sent out six times per year to Contemporary HUM‘s Publisher’s Circle, designed to thank and engage its supporters. Across 31 editions, the series offered readers an insider’s look into contemporary art projects worldwide, featuring exclusive images and a short text (around 400 words) from a contemporary artist or curator from Aotearoa New Zealand.
Featured artists and curators included: Hikalu Clarke, Judy Millar, Mataaho Collective, Dane Mitchell, Simon Denny, Steve Carr, Maddie Leach, Cat Auburn, Lisa Walker, Talia Smith, Richard Frater, Anoushka Akel, Bob van der Wal, Hutch Wilco, Christopher Ulutupu, Yota Ayaan, Ani O’Neill, Michael Stevenson, Daniel Malone, Areez Katki, Yuki Kihara, Alex Monteith, FAFSWAG, Kate Newby, Yona Lee, Patrick Lundberg, Anh Tran, Miranda Bellamy, Fiona Amundsen, Nikau Hindin and Gavin Hipkins.
My contributions
I coordinated 31 editions of the HUMcard digital mailout from inception to completion. This included:
- Curating the series by selecting and inviting participating artists/curators.
- Directing communication and liaising with artists/curators to secure text contributions and 8–10 images.
- Producing each mailout, including layout and design.
- Developing all related communications (introductory text, artist bio, etc.).
- Coordinating with Contemporary HUM’s Editor for final sign-off.
- Orchestrating the distribution of mailouts to Contemporary HUM supporters.
Project impact
The HUMcard series not only provided Contemporary HUM supporters with exclusive insights into contemporary art projects worldwide but also consolidated the international impact of contemporary New Zealand artists, showcasing the breadth of their work on a global scale.
Feedback
“Omg I love love love [Patrick Lundberg’s] HUMcard!” – Richard Frater, artist
“Genista’s work is critical, highly professional, and displays a sophisticated understanding of current contextual conditions of art production, mediation and dissemination. I can also attest that the feedback from the experienced writers, artists and institution representatives she has worked with has been unwaveringly glowing.” – Pauline Autet, Founding Director, Contemporary HUM
