New Arts Fund Launched

On Tuesday night the Gallery held a function to celebrate its one-year anniversary in conjunction with the launch of a new charitable fund for the arts. The evening was about celebrating art in Ashburton and it was a fitting occasion for Advance Ashburton Community Foundation to launch the ‘Ashburton Arts Fund’, which will make a significant contribution to the arts in Mid Canterbury in the years to come. The fund was launched in the presence of sponsors and supporters of the Gallery along with special visiting artists Gregory O’Brien (NZOM and Arts Foundation Laurent), Elizabeth Thomson(1998 James Wallace Art Awards winner) and acclaimed New Zealand photographer Bruce Foster who spoke about their current exhibition Kermadec –Lines in the Ocean.

The launch of the Arts Fund signals recognition for the importance of creative development and artistic pursuits. Trevor Croy, Chairman of Advance Ashburton announced the new fund stating, that he was delighted to be part of this very special initiative that “recognizes the value to our community, of the people and organizations that support the arts. We are now ready to receive donations and we look forwards to being of service to the arts community in the future.”

Advance Ashburton is a well-known and respected local community trust, which receives funds for charitable purposes. Funds such as the Rural Firefighters Welfare Fund, Ashburton Hospital and Health Fund and the BOOST Literacy programme are already established and make a remarkable contribution to the district.

“It is incredibly encouraging to see a foundation such as Advance Ashburton put their weight behind the arts” said Gallery Manager/Curator Shirin Khosravani. “It confirms the cultural maturity of our community and will provide the impetus for our local practitioners to achieve new heights.”

The new Ashburton Arts Fund is especially established by Advance Ashburton to promote the arts in our district and will provide financial assistance to local persons or groups who enhance, encourage and promote the arts in any of their forms such as painting, sculpture, theatre and music. Mr Croy said “The aim of the fund is to receive donations from people and other organizations that will be invested and from the tax-free income generated make grants”.

This fund has already been supported by the Ashburton District Council with the first donation of $1,000.

For further information on this Fund and how to donate contact Margaret Rickard, Executive Officer, Advance Ashburton Community Foundation on 3082231 or email info@advanceashburton.co.nz

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