Governors' Award Celebration
Govett-Brewster Art Gallery
Thursday 6 August 2009
6.00 – 7.30pm
Queen St, New Plymouth
On 20 July 2009 the Arts Foundation of New Zealand honoured the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery with their prestigious
Governors’ Award. Director Rhana Devenport and staff of the Govett-Brewster warmly invite past and present supporters to
join them in celebration of this tremendous accolade. This event will also preview the Gallery’s ambitious and vigorous
40th anniversary plans for 2010.
The Governors’ Award recognises individuals or institutions that have contributed in an exceptional way to the
development of the arts and artists in New Zealand. The Govett-Brewster is only the third recipient, and the only visual
arts organisation, in the award’s history.
In presenting the award the Arts Foundation Governors' commented:
“The Govett-Brewster Art Gallery has set a benchmark for commitment to the ‘new’ that no other gallery in New Zealand
has been able to equal. The Gallery has unswervingly followed a path of presenting leading edge contemporary art and a
succession of able directors has brought to New Plymouth a programme that one might more readily have expected in one of
New Zealand’s larger cities.
“The district of New Plymouth, and its community, has steadfastly supported the Gallery and art in the community,
including Len Lye’s Wind Wand, demonstrating an appreciation of the importance of contemporary art, which belies the
size of the city and its regional location. This civic leadership and commitment is greatly admired by the Governors”.
The Govett-Brewster is deeply honoured by this award, which acknowledges the commitment of past and present gallery
directors, staff, supporters and our community and their passionate faith in the power of contemporary art.
ENDS