Gallery appoints acting Director

Media Release 8 May 2006 1 page

Gallery appoints acting Director

Christchurch Art Gallery Manager of Public Programmes, Hubert Klaassens, has been appointed acting Director of the Gallery.

Mr Klaassens, whose appointment is effective from today, has been with the Gallery since 2002, returning to Christchurch after time in Wellington as exhibitions and programmes manager at the former National Art Gallery and Museum of New Zealand, and as manager of the Nelson Provincial Museum.

He will be acting Director while the Christchurch City Council undertakes a wide search for this appointment. Tony Preston retired as Director on Friday.

“It is important the Council takes its time to seek a new director,” said the Council’s General Manager, Community Services, Stephen McArthur. “With the Gallery entering the next phase of its development, the Director will play a pivotal role in implementing the Gallery’s new Vision and the Paradigm Shift Plan.

“The Director of the Christchurch Art Gallery will also be instrumental in continuing to develop the cultural life of this City and taking a lead role in establishing the Cultural Precinct and Worcester Boulevard as the most visited cultural site in New Zealand.”

Mr McArthur said the Council will be employing external assistance in its search for a new Director and an appointment is expected to be made within three months.

ENDS

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