Advocacy

Long term gallery options

The Heritage House Gallery, our biggest and most important artwork, now has a secure future along with significant improvements for experiencing and caring for the permanent collection.

The Friends are now thinking about the future of the rest of the gallery.

Our Council has proposed four options:

The Friends are very excited about this development and after considering the options, has resolved to support the preferred Option 1.

This option is to construct a new facility on the current site and will be making a formal submission accordingly.  We also want to encourage everyone to make their own personal submission.

This will align with the strengthening of the Heritage House Galley and will ensure all our Aigantighe facilities are fit-for-purpose.  This is planned to start in 2023/24,

Option 1, constructing a new facility on the current site, entails:

  • Demolition of the 1978 and 1995 extension.
  • Construction of a modern, purpose-built art gallery on the existing Wai-iti Road site.
  • Links with the Heritage House Gallery and garden maintained.
  • All current storage issues resolved.
  • Our art collection protected with temperature and humidity control.
  • Greater ability to improve our services with space for educational programmes and exhibitions.
  • Improved public amenities and office space

The other options under consideration are:

Option 2 - Maintain current Extension Buildings and develop off-site storage.

Option 3 - Partial refurbishment of Extension Buildings and develop off-site storage. 

Option 4 - Construct a new Art Gallery on a site near the Theatre Royal/Heritage Hub including spaces for education, creativity, collection storage and exhibition space.

Pop in to the gallery and see the displayed  options, give some thought and let the staff know your thoughts.

Full details can be found on the Councils Thriving Together website:

www.thrivingtogether.co.nz/key-issues/aigantighe-art-gallery

Please support this new and exciting development that will secure the Aigantighe Art Gallery as the home of art in South Canterbury in the best way possible.