Top arts fund-raiser’s debut novel centres on art-world scandal

Wellington-based author Janet Colson launches her debut novel, The Shark Party, on 11 November at the Adam Art Gallery.

Before moving to New Zealand, Colson was one of the UK’s major gift fund-raisers working with wealthy British, American and Russian philanthropists. As Development Director, Colson led capital campaigns for arts and heritage organisations such as Sadler’s Wells Theatre and Somerset House. In the course of her work, the parties she orchestrated entertained royalty, including Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall, political figures, such as Vladimir Putin, and the social elite. During her time in the UK, Colson raised over £30 million for various organisations.

Colson’s time as a fund raiser inspired her novel, which is set in the glamorous New York art scene. Colson says:

‘Listening to peoples’ incentives for sharing their wealth was excellent preparation for writing a novel. Like the world of philanthropy, good stories depend on characters with deep emotions and serious motivations.’

The Shark Party is a fast-paced psychological drama that centres on Carla, the partner of a wealthy philanthropist who soon discovers both her world and her relationship are not what they seem.

Colson has an MA in English and American Literature from King’s College, London, where she acted in numerous student productions, taking leading roles to the Edinburgh Fringe.

In New Zealand, Colson now works as an art consultant and has worked with organisations such as the Royal New Zealand Ballet, Auckland Theatre Company and DANZ.

Escalator Press is a new Wellington-based publishing house. The Shark Party is one of two
new titles being released this year after the 2013 success of The Score by Adrienne Jansen.

Book title	The Shark Party
Author name	Janet Colson
RRP	$30
Publisher	Escalator Press
Place of publication	Wellington
Date of publication	11 November 2014
ISBN	978-0-473-29514-1