Barbara Brooke: The woman behind Ascent

Abstract

Describes the changing cultural landscape of New Zealand in the 1960s as the backdrop for the emergence of 'Ascent: A Journal of the Visual Arts in New Zealand', a joint initiative between Caxton Press and the Queen Elizabeth II Arts Council. Profiles arts advocate Barbara Brooke, who together with Leo Bensemann launched Ascent in 1967. Describes the aims of the journal to publish informed, academic and critical writing on the arts in New Zealand. Reflects on Brooke's role as the first female editor at Caxton, in a period when such working environments were male dominated. Details the conflicting editorial opinions of Brooke and Bensemann. Recounts funding issues and sponsorship initiatives.