Auckland City Council
Media release

6 August 2010

Auckland’s new art destination opening soon

Pah Homestead in Monte Cecilia Park will open its doors as the new TSB Bank Wallace Arts Centre on 15 August, the new permanent home of the James Wallace Arts Trust and its extensive collection of contemporary New Zealand art.

Over the past year Auckland City Council has restored the historic Pah Homestead, and thanks to the generous support of TSB Bank and the James Wallace Trust, the public will now be able to enjoy access to the Trust’s extensive art collection within the setting of the beautifully renovated homestead.

“We are delighted that through the restoration of the historic Pah Homestead, Aucklanders and visitors alike will have the opportunity to be inspired by exciting contemporary New Zealand art, experience the historic grandeur of the homestead and enjoy the natural beauty of Monte Cecilia Park,” says Mayor John Banks.

The new arts centre will host a changing programme of free exhibitions curated from the Trust’s collection, as well as touring shows, public education programmes, an artist in residency programme and an on-site café.

The James Wallace Arts Trust owns the strongest collection in any hands of a number of senior New Zealand artists, as well as many emerging and mid-career artists. The collection also includes a significant range of works by most other established and mid-career New Zealand artists.

“We are extraordinarily pleased that the single-minded drive and the passion of Mayor John Banks and Deputy Mayor David Hay backed by a very supportive Council has resulted in this most serendipitous but equally practical partnership and bond between the City and the Trust,” says James Wallace

The collection of more than 5,000 works is a cultural resource for present and future generations as nothing is ever sold. As this is the first time the Trust’s collection has had a permanent base, this will be the first opportunity the wider public has had to enjoy the changing exhibitions curated from the collection.

“The new TSB Bank Wallace Arts centre is an exciting addition to Auckland’s celebrated arts reputation and we're proud to be a part of it. We receive exceptional support from the people of Auckland and our sponsorship is one way we’re able to say ‘thank you’ for that support," says Kevin Murphy, CEO of TSB Bank.

The public open day on 15 August from noon until 4pm is a great chance for Aucklanders to view the collection in the restored homestead and explore the grounds of Monte Cecilia Park.

With a range of activities on offer, including artist talks,  guided tours of the exhibition, heritage tours of the homestead and park, activities for the kids, Devonshire tea, music and more, it will be a fantastic day out for the whole family.

The main carpark entry to the arts centre is at 72 Hillsborough Rd, there are also pedestrian entrances (with some limited street parking) on Mt Albert Road, Herd Road and Korma Road.

Ends

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