Govt's $30m aids gallery revamp
Original source: New Zealand Herald
Work is due to begin on the $96.4 million revamp of the Auckland Art Gallery after Prime Minister Helen Clark dropped by last night with a cheque for $30 million. Helen Clark, who is Minister of Arts, Culture and Heritage, said the grant was made as part of the Government's regional museums policy for capital projects.
The grant secures funding for the overhaul of the 1887 French-style colonial building in a three-way deal between the Government, Auckland City Council and private donors. "The Auckland Art Gallery was the first public art gallery to be established in New Zealand, and is without doubt one of the most important cultural institutions in our country," Helen Clark said. She said the gallery not only had a collection of 14,000 New Zealand and international artworks, but its historic buildings were an Auckland landmark.
The redevelopment would increase exhibition space by 50 per cent, give more space to New Zealand art and involved major remedial work on the heritage buildings, she said. Mayor John Banks said the government's $30 million was a significant contribution and with no more planning hurdles in the way, the project could proceed.
Last December, the Environment Court approved plans to lower and move back the roof line on a modern addition, despite concerns from one of three commissioners that the new roofline was visible when the heritage building was seen from Wellesley St. Art gallery director Chris Saines said the project team always believed there was a compelling case for Government funding. "A modernised and developed gallery enables us to be more innovative and ambitious in the collection displays we can present," Mr Saines said.
The main gallery building closed last Friday. Work is due to start next month with a reopening date in 2010. In the meantime, events and exhibitions will continue across the road at the New Gallery.
WHO'S PAYING
* Auckland City Council: $36.4 million.
* Ministry for Culture and Heritage: $30 million.
* Donations: $15.5 million.
* Shortfall: $14.5 million.
* Total: $96.4 million.