31 March 2006
Art Gallery consults stakeholders
Christchurch Art Gallery stakeholders have shared a wealth of ideas during a series of meetings this month to get their
feedback on creating a dynamic new programme of exhibitions and events to reinforce the Gallery’s new vision and deliver
new audiences.
Throughout March, the Gallery has consulted such stakeholder groups as The Friends of the Christchurch Art Gallery, the
arts community, volunteers, artists, the Cultural Precinct, Pacific Island Peoples, art dealers and other galleries.
Their feedback had been invaluable, said Stephen McArthur, General Manager, Community Services, Christchurch City
Council.
“We have been pleased with the good response from our stakeholders. They have been honest with their feedback, which
has been appreciated. The stakeholders have recognised they have been given a rare gift of helping shape and mould the
future and have taken a real responsibility for this work.”
He said what had come through strongly was a real ownership of the Gallery and this was important to ensure a strong
future for the gallery.
Among the stakeholder suggestions have been bringing to life the Sculpture Garden facing Montreal Street with art work,
introducing a space for the exhibition of contemporary/emerging artists with a quick turnover of work, creating a more
vibrant environment within the courtyard and foyer and getting the Gallery involved to a greater extent with local
festivals.
“These are all great ideas that will be considered as we shape the future of the Gallery in the next three months.”
The Gallery’s vision is to take a key leadership role in making Worcester Boulevard and the Cultural Precinct the most
visited cultural tourism site in New Zealand, while continuing to celebrate the City’s creative spirit through a new,
stimulating visitor experience.
“This is an exciting time for the Gallery as we build on the first three years of success of our facility and deliver
the Paradigm Shift through a programme that has the Christchurch Art Gallery as a ‘must-see’ on the itinerary of every
visitor to the City, attracting more than 400,000 visitors a year by 2009,” Mr McArthur said.
ENDS