ASB Trusts Donation to Auckland Art Gallery
Massive ASB Trusts Donation to Auckland Art Gallery development project tips first $10 million fundraising target
The Auckland Art Gallery development project has received a massive boost to its capital campaign with a grant of $6.5
million from the ASB Trusts.
Auckland Art Gallery Foundation chairman John Judge says "we are all thrilled and encouraged by this enormously generous
contribution, which brings the total donations to date to more than $13 million. It is hoped a grant of this magnitude
will not only demonstrate the Trusts' belief and commitment to the project, but will encourage other potential funders."
ASB Trusts' CEO Jennifer Gill says that Auckland Art Gallery is acknowledged as a leading national art gallery and has
the most significant New Zealand collection in the country. "Our trustees knew that having the significant backing of
the ASB Trusts as a key regional funder would be of critical importance to the level to which other funders come on
board with this project. We are sure that this extra injection of funds will make an immediate and significant
difference to the success of the project," Ms Gill says.
The $6.5 million Auckland Art Gallery allocation has lifted the ASB Trusts' total community group grants for the 2005
financial year to $55 million, $10 million more than in 2004.
The Mayor of Auckland City, Dick Hubbard, says "This is great news and congratulations to the foundation on reaching
this major milestone. This is an important project for the city that is future-proofing the gallery for the community it
serves, as well as creating a place that inspires all New Zealanders."
Gallery director Chris Saines says "I am delighted that ASB Trusts have seen fit to revise and very generously expand
their initial commitment to our project, making them by far our most significant donor. Their confidence in the
development project gives me even more certainty that we are doing the right thing in the right place at the right time.
I am deeply grateful to the board for their belief in this project."
The gallery is to undergo a multi-million dollar development which will increase its size and create better linkages
with Albert Park, as well as undertake necessary earthquake-proofing and protection of an iconic heritage building. The
restoration and expansion of the building creates approximately fifty per cent more space for exhibitions. The $90
million project was announced in 2003 with a $25 million commitment by Auckland City. Winning architects, trans-Tasman
group FJMT+Archimedia, were announced in late 2004, with preliminary designs being launched in July last year.
The Main Gallery will move its operation to the New Gallery across the road, temporarily, at the end of this year and
restoration and building work is expected to commence in early 2007.
Further details on the new plans for the Gallery and the project can be found on
http://www.aucklandartgallery.govt.nz/gallery2009/project/default.asp
ENDS