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Project on Hold. Council is reconsidering the development needs and relationship of all buildings and services in Queens Park as part of its new 'Heart of the City" project.
HENRY SARJEANT'S GENEROUS BEQUEST in 1912 resulted in the Sarjeant Gallery being prominently placed in the heart of Wanganui for most of the 20th century. Over this time it has, through a lively exhibition programme and building remarkable collections, enriched the lives of numerous Wanganui citizens, other New Zealanders and international visitors.
The collection includes a mix of 19th and early 20th century British and international works, historical and current New Zealand and local art - with strengths in photography, contemporary Maori art and wood-based sculpture. Its rich holdings of work by individual artists include Edith Collier, John Gilfillan, Philip Trusttum, Gretchen Albrecht, Anne Noble, Peter Peryer, and Rodney Fumpston to name just a few examples.
As with significant art institutions nationally, our public programmes have dramatically expanded in the last thirty years. To continue to meet public expectations, modern and efficient facilities that enhance the Gallery's exhibiting areas are much needed. After two decades of planning, a national architectural design brief resulted in this exciting new building project, which will enable us to meet the art aspirations and achievements of the next century.
During the 1990s the Wanganui Regional Community Polytechnic's Quay School of the Arts received national recognition as an important educational institution, and forged close links with the Sarjeant. The new building will facilitate an even closer working relationship, greatly enhancing the viability of both institutions and benefiting our art community and Wanganui in general.
The new building will afford greater access to informed art experience for the broadest diversity of people, locally, nationally and internationally. By securing early guidance of Iwi the design brief effectively provides an appropriate point of entry for Tangata Whenua and opens up views to their important spiritual landforms of Mount Ruapehu and the Whanganui River.
why a new building?
To better nurture our collections and facilitate their exhibition.
The new building will have;
- Specialist-designed storage
- Facilities to properly care for photographs and negatives
- Improved access to the collections for research and study
- Additional spaces for the preparation of exhibition works
To increase levels and quality service and facilities for all visitors. The new building will provide;
- A more welcoming entrance way and disabled access to all areas
- Well-appointed staff areas to facilitate effective service delivery
- Quality education, lecture and reference facilities
- A superbly sited cafe, retail outlet and other public amenities
To increase access to new art experiences and collection exhibitions. The new building will feature;
- A well equipped gallery of international standard
- Spaces for focused installations and new media
- Greater use of the Sarjeant Gallery's permanent collection
- A dramatic visual waharoa (gateway) to the Whanganui River and Ruapehu
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