The Govett-Brewster Art Gallery announced today that it achieved 54,000 visits in the year to the end of June breaking
its record for annual visits for the third year running. Gallery Director Greg Burke noted that the figure was twice
that of three years ago. The Gallery also recorded in excess of 11,000 facilitated education visits.
“Given our regional population and the fact our only Education Coordinator, Chris Barry, works four days a week, this
achievement is phenomenal”, said Mr. Burke.
26,000 visitors also came from outside the region confirming that the Gallery is having a significant economic impact
with its contribution to regional tourism. “The turnover in our own shop is up 250% on last year”, said Mr. Burke,
“which contributed to our record level of revenue generation and the fact the Gallery far exceeded its revenue targets”.
Mr. Burke noted that the most popular exhibitions are Gallery generated. “Audiences for our larger exhibitions often
outstrip audiences for touring exhibitions many times over. Such shows are resource intensive and can take up to three
years of planning.”
A major focus for the Gallery for the coming financial year is exhibition development for future years. “This means last
years total will be hard to match”, said Mr. Burke. “Nevertheless the Gallery will shortly announce a show for early
2002 that it expects will have wide community appeal”.
“Our financial year has also got off to a bumper start in its first week, with 2000 visitors pouring in to see our big
Len Lye exhibition.” said Mr. Burke, who also noted that it was great to witness so many smiling and satisfied visitors
to the Gallery.
ENDS