11 April 2006
Gallery’s new direction continues
The Christchurch City Council will soon begin an international search to find a new Director for the Christchurch Art
Gallery.
Gallery Director for the last 10 years, Tony Preston, today announced his early retirement from the position. He retires
in May.
Christchurch City Council Chief Executive Dr Lesley McTurk said a new director will build on Tony’s successes and
implement the Paradigm Shift to achieve the Gallery’s new vision.
“Christchurch has an Art Gallery of which it can be proud. We have a magnificent building, a significant collection that
celebrates and preserves our legacy of artistic achievement and most importantly a dedicated, professional staff and
strongly supportive community.
“Our nationally and internationally awarded Art Gallery is a tribute to the staff, and the community which gave so much
to build the new facility and who remain passionate about their Gallery.”
She said with the Paradigm Shift there was now a strong new vision for the Art Gallery. “The Mayor and Councillors have
strongly endorsed this vision and the Gallery’s stakeholders have also embraced it with much enthusiasm.
“This vision is to take a key leadership role in making Worcester Boulevard and the Cultural Precinct the most visited
cultural tourism site in New Zealand.”
Dr McTurk said as the Gallery continued to celebrate the City’s creative spirit by expanding the public’s perception of
art, the Gallery will commit to new audiences, building a stimulating visitor experience that puts the Christchurch Art
Gallery on every visitor’s itinerary as the “must-see” attraction.
“These are exciting times for the Gallery. Work is progressing on creating this new experience and the framework for
achieving this is expected to be complete within another three months.
“Staff have been strongly supportive of this new direction and as they prepare to build on the Gallery’s’ success to
deliver a new programme of exhibitions and events there is a new energy of excitement and anticipation.”
ENDS