Treasures Go On Long-Term Display

05 October 2004

Treasures From Te Papa’s Collections Go On Long-Term Display

Over 100 of the nations most significant artworks, drawn from Te Papa’s collections, will go on long-term display from 14 October 2004 in the Toi Te Papa Art of the Nation exhibition.

Toi Te Papa Art of the Nation will be delivered in two parts. The first part, opening on 14 October 2004, features works from 1940 until today. The second part, opening in early 2006, covers the period prior to 1940. Together, the two stages will occupy an entire floor, making Toi Te Papa Art of the Nation the largest exhibition Te Papa has ever undertaken.

The first part Toi Te Papa Art of the Nation: 1940 – today features artworks and taonga from Te Papa’s collection that have shaped our nation’s artistic heritage and the way we see ourselves. Toi Te Papa Art of the Nation includes works by Theo Schoon, Gordon Walters, Colin McCahon, Toss Woollaston, Len Castle, Para Matchitt, Billy Apple, Ralph Hotere, Rita Angus, Gavin Hipkins, Vivian Lynn, and Anne Noble.

‘Te Papa’s collections encompass Maori, Pacific, European and New Zealand art, as well as the art of other cultures, and the applied and decorative arts’ said Te Papa’s Art and Visual Culture Director, Jonathan Mane-Wheoki. ‘Toi Te Papa Art of the Nation highlights these collection strengths and showcases some of New Zealand’s most significant art treasures.’

‘This exhibition is the first step in an ongoing process to make Te Papa’s art collections more accessible. The overall strategy will include a comprehensive programme of public floortalks and lectures, a publication and a gallery space dedicated to profiling contemporary artists.’ Mane-Wheoki said.

Te Papa is thrilled to announce that long-term partner Air New Zealand will be the exclusive sponsor of Toi Te Papa Art of the Nation. ‘Air New Zealand is dedicated to promoting the best of New Zealand and is proud to be a sponsor of Te Papa and to be associated with this outstanding exhibition of New Zealand art’, said Norm Thomson, Air New Zealand’s Group General Manager, Marketing, Network and Sales.

Toi Te Papa Art of the Nation: 1940 – today will be opened by the Prime Minister, the Right Honourable Helen Clark. The exhibition will remain on show for approximately five years, and will be refreshed with new works regularly.

ENDS

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