Rosabel Tan

Rosabel Tan is a New Zealand writer, strategist and creative producer of Peranakan Chinese descent. She advocates for the arts in New Zealand, specifically highlighting the work of Asian diaspora artists. Tan's key roles include being a director of Satellites and a founding editor of Pantograph Punch (2010-2024).

Life and career Tan moved to New Zealand at the age of eight. She used drama and creative arts as a vehicle for self-expression and connection with others.

Later she completed a Master of Arts in Psychology with the University of Auckland, and a Master of Arts with distinction in Creative Writing through the International Institute of Modern Letters Writing Programme at Victoria University of Wellington. As a University of Auckland Liggins Institute Research Assistant, she had two psychology papers published in the academic journals Personal Relationships and Journal of Personality and Social Psychology. Additionally in 2016 she worked as a Senior Research Analyst at Morris Hargreaves McIntyre (a UK-based research consultancy) to expand her knowledge on communication between the arts sector and their audiences.

Tan was also a recipient of the Lancewood/Horoeka Reading Grant in 2015, a summer programme where she strengthened skills surrounding analysis of works and providing critiques. She then became a founding editor of Pantograph Punch arts and culture journal in late 2010, alongside Matt Harnett and Joe Nunweek, until approximately 2016. During her time at Pantograph Punch she held a range of roles including director from 2010 - 2019, a board member from 2013 - 2024, and Mema Poari Secretary from 2017-2024. a Talks programmer for Auckland Arts Festival from 2019 - 2020, Curator Asia for the Auckland Writers Festival in 2022, a co-programmer for Verb Festival, Tan has contributed her time to multiple governance groups including Pantograph Punch, Silo Theatre, The Public Art Advisory Panel for Auckland Council, and Te Rōpū Mana Toi Creative New Zealand Advocacy Advisory. The work was originally commissioned by Auckland Council for an empty storefront in Northcote, Auckland but its meaning evolved over time.

This theme of applying a youthful feel to a thought provoking installation is also seen in An Inheritance by Rosabel Tan, Andy Field, Beckie Darlington and over 500 Year 5 kids from Greater Manchester. The installation was presented at the Manchester Art Gallery for the Manchester International Festival 2025, and remained for viewing from 4 July to 2 November 2025.