Govett-Brewster’s unequalled commitment to NZ contemporary art honoured by Arts Foundation
The unequalled commitment of New Plymouth’s Govett-Brewster Art Gallery to New Zealand contemporary art was honoured
yesterday (20 July) by the Arts Foundation of New Zealand with their prestigious Governor’s Award. Presented in an event
at Christchurch Art Gallery this award recognises individuals or institutions that have contributed in a significant way
to the development of the arts and artists in New Zealand. The Govett-Brewster is only the third recipient in the
award’s history.
In presenting the award the Arts Foundation Governors acknowledged the commitment by the Govett-Brewster to the cause of
contemporary art, particularly from New Zealand.
“The Govett-Brewster Art Gallery has set a benchmark for commitment to the ‘new’ that no other gallery in New Zealand
has been able to equal. The Gallery has unswervingly followed a path of presenting leading edge contemporary art and a
succession of able directors has brought to New Plymouth a programme that one might more readily have expected in one of
New Zealand’s larger cities”.
The Governors also signalled admiration for the civic leadership and public of New Plymouth.
“The city’s steadfast support of the Gallery and art in the community, including Len Lye’s Wind Wand, demonstrates an
appreciation of the importance of contemporary art, which belies the size of the city and its regional location.”
Current Govett-Brewster Art Gallery Director Rhana Devenport says, “the Gallery is deeply honoured by the recognition of
its courageous contributions to the cultural landscape of Aotearoa New Zealand over the past four decades.
“The passionate faith that our past and present directors, staff and supporters hold in the power of contemporary art
has never wavered. Art is at the essence of what it is to be human, and it’s wonderful that this belief has been so
resoundingly acknowledged by our audiences over many years and now in such a generous way by the Arts Foundation.”
Established through a bequest and Trust Deed from the forward thinking New Plymouth resident Monica Brewster, the
Govett-Brewster Art Gallery has become a contemporary art museum recognised internationally for its global vision and
special commitment the art of New Zealand, Asia and the Pacific.
The Gallery maintains its own contemporary art collection and the collection of modernist filmmaker and kinetic sculptor
Len Lye in addition to presenting a dynamic exhibitions and events programme.
Considered a pathfinder in this country’s cultural landscape, the Govett-Brewster works to develop new possibilities for
artists and audiences within contemporary culture.
As the Govett-Brewster moves towards its 40th anniversary in 2010, it is launching a vigorous programme including
offering its collection online, a new website, celebrating its history in a major publication and undertaking an
ambitious series of exhibitions, acquisitions and events.
The Governors Award is selected by the Arts Foundation Governors. Two previous awards have been made. The inaugural
recipient was the University of Otago - in recognition of its significant contribution to the arts community since 1958
through its Burns, Hodgkins and Mozart Fellowships. The second presentation was made to Concert FM (now Radio New
Zealand Concert) for the significant contribution made by the organisation in supporting, encouraging and promoting New
Zealand composers, musicians, writers and actors at a national level.
ENDS