25 May 2006

New director sought for Gallery

The Christchurch City Council will this weekend advertise widely for a new director for the Christchurch Art Gallery.

Council Community Services Group General Manager Stephen McArthur said it was an exciting time in the development of the Christchurch Art Gallery as it built on the success of the first three years of the new facility and worked to implement the Council’s new Vision and the five-year strategic Paradigm Shift Plan.

“The successful applicant will be instrumental in continuing to develop the cultural life of this City and take a lead role in working with the Cultural Precinct partners to establish Worcester Boulevard as the most visited cultural tourism site in New Zealand.”

He said through the Paradigm Shift, the Christchurch Art Gallery will work to meet the elected council’s mandate of widening its audience appeal and to be more accessible to the citizens of Christchurch who fund its operation through an annual rate contribution of $6.5 million.

“The Gallery will strive to be a must-see attraction on the itinerary of every visitor to the city, attracting more than 400,000 visitors a year by 2009-10, by building on the strength of the existing key supporter base and engaging new and enlarged audiences.”

Mr McArthur said the new director will have an established reputation in the arts and be able to point to a successful track record in managing cultural institutions which have a strong community connection and a record of innovation.

“They will provide strategic leadership, have a strong customer focus, be a good team player and importantly have the ability to build strong relationships with the Gallery’s key community and art stakeholders to achieve these performance targets.”

Mr McArthur said the new director will play a pivotal role in helping the Gallery to celebrate the city’s creative spirit and expand the public’s perception of art.

Applications for the Christchurch Art Gallery Director close on 9 June, 2006.

ENDS

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