Strong opening for new-style Auckland art gallery

Strong opening for new-style Auckland art gallery aimed at meeting growing demand for affordable art

Art for Less, Auckland’s newest art gallery, was inundated with art investors and viewers when it opened at the weekend.

Gallery director Helene Phillips said the overwhelming opening response by Aucklanders, tourists and investors confirmed the market need for the new-style gallery.

``We had a number of sales at the weekend but we also had many people say we were meeting a real need in the market. They were delighted.’’

The gallery offers about 100 paintings, prints and sculptured works all valued under $5000 each, with a further 300 artworks available for purchase on their website.

At 375 Parnell Road, Art for Less has already been hailed as an exciting new addition to the growing New Zealand art industry.

National art finance company Index Group has confirmed there was an opening in the market for an art gallery aimed at lower priced works like Art for Less.

``Over the last couple of years there have been a huge number of new entrants attracted to the art market,’’ Index Group director Adam Parore said today. ``The price point for a lot of these people is below $5000. New entrants historically bought prints and lithographs but they are now turning to originals. They can secure lesser works by major artists or works by unknown artists now that in 10-15 years time may become major artists,’’ Parore said. Art for Less has been created by the Ferner Galleries Group for collectors who wish to invest at a modest level while they increase their knowledge and take advantage of the expertise offered by one of New Zealand’s leading art dealers.

Ms Phillips said she saw a need for new collectors to feel secure in entering the market by buying art at the lower level. Art for Less is offering a special incentive for all of May by paying the GST on all purchases, giving buyers an 11.1 percent discount off the asking price of every work.

Copyright Word Of Mouth Media NZ

© Scoop Media