Over the 8 years, I have operated Fiksate Gallery, New Zealand's leading urban contemporary art gallery. This role included:Curated and managed 21+ solo or group exhibitions in alignment with the gallery's vision or installed in alternative locations. Each exhibition encompassed a wide range of responsibilities, including but not limited to managing artist relations from months in advance to post-exhibition, coordinating advertising collateral and social media campaigns, overseeing artwork delivery and installation, directing catalog production, curating sales sheet catalogs, formulating price lists, executing sales, handling webpage product loading, coordinating food and beverage services, orchestrating V.I.P. previews and access, and overseeing the proceedings of opening nights.Successfully organized and managed the Fiksate Gallery installation featuring 40+ artists at SHIFT - Urban Art Takeover in Canterbury Museum (January 28th - April 15th, 2023).Established and cultivated a custom framing business, contributing to 40% of overall business revenue. Spearheaded website design, development, and maintenance, while efficiently handling online order fulfillment.Expertise in art photography, advanced editing skills, and proficient cataloging abilities.Managed social media strategies across platforms, including email newsletters, Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn, and created advertisements in both print and digital formats.Careful handling of a variety of artwork, including packaging for storage and shipping to various national and international destinations.Developing and negotiating Artist Contracts and gallery agreements for external projects, ensuring clarity and adherence to legal standards.Spearheading funding initiatives through platforms such as Boosted.co.nz and Creative New Zealand.Collaborating with the Christchurch City Council to implement and maintain the application of artwork on the two sections of the Berlin Wall located on Cashel Street.

Collaborated closely with the Managing Director and designers on store design, layout, and merchandising strategies.Served as the primary point of contact for Cosmic, overseeing all aspects of new store design, implementation, and organization.Acted as a signatory for crucial documents related to store fitting and design when required.Conducted meticulous reviews of all documents and details associated with new store design initiatives.Employed effective problem-solving skills to address challenges and ensure smooth project execution.Engaged with third-party stakeholders to coordinate various aspects of new store design and implementationFacilitated communication between Buyers, store staff, and other relevant parties to optimize store layout and functionality.Coordinated the organization of merchandising units and shop fittings for new stores including designing and buying from local and international companies.Managed the stock fit-out process for new stores, including logistics such as packing stock at headquarters, overseeing delivery, and coordinating the unpacking of stock at the new store.Attended meetings, taking comprehensive notes to ensure accurate and detailed records of discussions.Conducted thorough store reviews upon the completion of new store setups, providing constructive feedback and photographic evidence to relevant stakeholders.Documented and archived all store design and creation aspects for future reference and continuous improvement.The reason for leaving this position was to run Fiksate Gallery full-time.

Creating and maintaining a Merchandising Guide for each store that upholds a cohesiveCosmic merchandising structure and standard.● Liaise, follow up, and maintain a consistent relationship with MerchandisingHeads/Managers in each store regarding all things merchandising within their store.● Sending merchandising directives and sample photos to stores to base displays on.● Regular review of old & new shop displays, offering feedback and support.● Travel to stores to merchandise and discuss merchandising solutions.● Provide merchandising training to retail staff. Merchandising training/upskilling to occuronce a year.● Window display planning and direction - Will work closely with designer and marketingteam, as well as buyers for recommendations on product or fashion to suit the currenttheme or season. This does not include the installation of window display.● Internal Signage - to ensure all signage in Cosmic stores are consistent and maintained to ahigh standard. This includes placement within stores. To advise design team of any newsignage needed and work with them to ensure an optimum outcome. Send signageinformation to be created when missing.● Merchandising display solutions - this includes ordering or creating new display solutions formerchandising within Cosmic stores.- Project Management of any renovations, installations or updating of shop fittings in Cosmic stores.

Beauty Buyer involves creating a strong range of beauty products that are cultivated and maintained in the beauty department across all stores nationally. This includes consultation on new brand research and introduction, stock management, and negotiating and pricing all new or current stock,any new product additions and current range maintenance.