March 2007

Council consults on interim gallery proposal

An offer of the loan of an extraordinary private collection of artworks has been the catalyst for Rodney District Council to look at establishing an interim gallery for exhibiting fine art in the Whangaparaoa Library. Before deciding whether or not to go ahead with the gallery, the Council is asking Whangaparaoa Library users and members of Rodney’s arts community what they think of the idea.

Consultation begins next Monday (12 March) and feedback is required by 30 March. The Council will decide whether or not to proceed with the project after considering the results of the consultation.

Information about the proposal and feedback forms are available at the library and on the Council’s website: www.rodney.govt.nz Manager of Strategic Projects, Paul White, says the private art collection that prompted the investigation comprises more than 100 works.љ They are mainly Colonial and Post-Colonial New Zealand works and include significant Rodney scenes.

Mr White says the offer is conditional on establishing a venue with the necessary security and environmental conditions to protect the works.

The Council envisages holding approximately four exhibitions a year if the venture goes ahead, and exhibiting works from other local and national collections in addition to those on offer.

“The suggested location is the south-east corner of the Whangaparaoa Library, which could be partitioned off and fitted out with the necessary display panels and environmental and security measures for approximately $212,000.” Because the new library had been built for 15 years of growth, the space could be vacated without significantly affecting services.

“The interim gallery, if it goes ahead, will be a good test of whether or not Rodney is ready for a permanent exhibition space for fine art.”

ENDS

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