Art’s for the rich? A’art gallery says no

Art’s for the rich? A’art gallery says no

A community project which aims to challenge people’s perceptions of art is set to begin in Newtown.

A’art Gallery will open at 6pm on Tuesday April 14 at 162 Riddiford Street with two free exhibitions, ‘things i’ve been working on’ and ‘Inshallah’.

“The opening night will be a collection of the wondrous, the uncanny and the re-purposed for those who go not seeking perfection, but the understanding of it,” says Co-organiser and exhibitor Heidi Ankers.

“It will be cool to be opening the artists’ exhibition space with my show, ‘things i’ve been working on’ - a large collection five years in the making.”

Ms Ankers’ mother and sister were both artists by the time she was born.

“Grandma - Teuane Tibbo - took up the brush in her 80’s after a dream and quickly became a renowned painter of Samoa, and I cared for her needs and studio.

“My adult life has been spent studying the world’s peoples and their arts and making is my way of talking to you about identity.”

“Over time, a perception has developed that art is elitist, too complicated and not for everyone.

“We want to challenge that and put art within reach of anyone.”

Opening-night entertainment will be provided with song, stand-up and a feature performance from Marimbist Yoshiko Tsuruta.

‘Inshallah’ curator Richard Wallace says they are fortunate to have been given the use of the building for a community-based project involving artists and crafts-people.

“This will be a free, open space for the encouragement, development and support of art and crafts in Wellington.”

Every piece on display should be for sale, but that will be entirely between the maker and the buyer with the gallery taking no commission.

A’art will also offer help and advice with framing, preservation and studio space, along with a reading library and tea or coffee.

“Money has become too associated with art and we would like to see if it is possible to uncouple the two.”

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