New gallery fundraising foundation

8 March 2005

Art lovers kick-start new gallery fundraising foundation

Art devotees from throughout Australasia were out in force at the weekend for the launch of the new Auckland Art Gallery Foundation.

The foundation, chaired by John Judge, CE of Ernst & Young NZ, has been established as a charitable trust to support the Auckland Art Gallery’s $75 million development project, due to commence next year.

The foundation’s trustees are committed to the financial success of the project and bring with them extensive business and philanthropic contacts.

Among the trustees are several who have successfully raised millions of dollars for previous gallery projects, and others who have worked tirelessly to develop relationships with key stakeholders in the gallery’s community of supporters.

The trustees are: John Judge, (Chairman), CE, Ernst & Young NZ Don Clark, Chair Edmiston Trust Dr Robin Congreve, Patrons of the Gallery Rob Gardiner O.N.Z.M. Chair Chartwell Trust Jenny Gibbs C.N.Z.M. Patrons of the Gallery His Worship The Mayor, Dick Hubbard O.N.Z.M. Dayle Mace, Chair, Patrons of the Gallery Scott Perkins, MD, Deutsche Bank Australasia John Wigglesworth, Chair, Mackelvie Trust, member Art Gallery Enterprise Board.

John Judge, Foundation Chairman says “This project requires a level of external funding unprecedented for a New Zealand cultural institution.”

Gallery Director, Chris Saines is thrilled to have such a high calibre group supporting the development. “This exciting project will ultimately reinvent how the gallery works for its community and how it meets the challenges of the 21st century,” he says.

“Having the backing of trustees with such wide networks and successful track records, must give the public a high level of confidence in this important project,” says Mr Saines.

Alongside the foundation, a development office has been established to help drive the fundraising effort for this major project.

Ends

Note to editors: The vision for the development is to create: a world-class public art gallery that values its architectural heritage and its unique site an iconic contemporary building appropriate to house the country’s finest art collections an enjoyable visitor experience that enriches the understanding and the meaning of art a strong connection between the gallery, Albert Park and the wider cultural precinct.

The Patrons of the Gallery group was established in 1987 and has a membership of 40 individuals who include many of the city’s (and the country’s) foremost philanthropic arts and business leaders.

The Auckland Art Gallery development is endorsed by The Mayor of Auckland City, Dick Hubbard.

Initial design concepts are expected to be launched in May.

ENDS

© Scoop Media