By Dan Parker
Prime Minister John Key says the Government doesn’t have $1 million to build a new national art gallery.
But, he says he’s aware of some wealthy philanthropists who might help.
A new art gallery is being called for, because Te Papa doesn’t have the space to exhibit the huge archives of artwork in its collection.
Just 5 percent of the museum’s collection is on public display at any one time. The vast majority of the 13,000 pieces are kept in the darkness and depths of its archives – available by appointment only.
“To put all of these works on display you would have to have a very large gallery indeed,” says Art Collection Manager Tony Mackle.
And that is exactly what Te Papa’s new chairman Sir Wira Gardiner and his board member Chris Parkin want to see.
“We have got 95 percent of New Zealand’s heritage, which belongs to all New Zealanders, sitting in rooms and storage inside this museum,” he says.
“I think it is a good idea, if we can get a facility to get it out, so New Zealanders can view their art. That is a good objective.”
Sir Wira says he understands a purpose-built gallery could cost up to $100 million, and coming up with that sort of money could be a problem.
“We don’t have that money, Te Papa doesn’t have it, the Government doesn’t have it and the city council doesn’t have it,” he says.
But Mr Key has an idea who might.
“We have an indication of one or two very wealthy philanthropists who may be interested in putting money into that venture,” he says.
“So certainly, it would be something the Government wouldn’t 100 percent fund, but we can’t rule out that it may make progress.”
A new gallery would be built on land next to Te Papa. The board will meet in December to discuss how to proceed with the idea.
Whatever is planned, it will ultimately be dependant on the generosity of others.
3 News