ARTHOUSE: 100 NZ works of art for Ronald McDonald House

Media Release – ARTHOUSE 14/8/12

ARTHOUSE: A Collection of 100 works of art by New Zealand artists for the new Ronald McDonald House Wellington

Having a seriously ill child in hospital is one the most difficult times for parents and families.

A House filled with New Zealand art offers families a unique sense of home, warmth, and comfort – an atmosphere the Ronald McDonald House strives to provide for those who need it most.

The new Ronald McDonald House in Wellington, opening in October 2012, will feature a collection of more than 100 works of art by young, emerging and leading New Zealand artists facilitated by the New Zealand Academy of Fine Arts (NZAFA).

For over 500 families each year, Ronald McDonald House provides a free home-away-from-home environment that is suited to their practical and daily needs. Complementing this experience and these services will also be a unique art collection throughout all four levels of the building and in every room. These works will nurture the spirits of residents. They will delight, challenge and entertain, bringing reassurance when it is most needed.

ARTHOUSE is an exciting and challenging art collection that will open a door to the world of New Zealand art for all who visit the Ronald McDonald House. This is a new home-away-from-home for up to 34 families with amenities that include family rooms and apartments, a communal kitchen, children’s art room, gymnasium, and art works - placed throughout all levels and rooms in the House.

This collaborative fundraiser between the Academy of Fine Arts and the Ronald McDonald House Wellington will benefit the arts and wider community, contributing to both the enhancement of the lives of children and their families, and offering support for emerging New Zealand artists. Over the past 130 years, the Academy of Fine Arts has exhibited and profiled the work of New Zealand artists in painting, sculpture, printmaking and craft. In 2012 it remains dedicated to presenting work by a broad range of artists, including young, and up and coming artists and in 2013 the Academy is introducing a new exhibition series that will promote and support artists at the earliest stages of their careers, introducing their work to new audiences throughout New Zealand.

Working in association with the Ronald McDonald House Wellington Trust, the Academy is pleased to collaborate on an event that places art in the centre of the community, in an environment accessible to all, including works by emerging and promising New Zealand artists.

We are looking for wonderful sponsors - individuals, businesses and community groups - enthused about the completion of the House and keen to support the arts in Wellington by purchasing a work of art to donate to the new Ronald McDonald House.

Select your favourite work of art – the one that you would like to present to the Ronald McDonald House and bid for it at a special ‘cocktail function’ auction at the Academy. Antiques and decorative arts specialist from Dunbar Sloane, Anthony Gallagher will act as auctioneer, 5-6.30pm, Saturday 22 September at the Academy of Fine Arts Gallery, 1 Queens Wharf.

For more information and/or to donate a work contact the NZAFA on 04 4998807 or email director@nzafa.com

To view the art works and find out more about the artists go to www.nzafa.com

ENDS

© Scoop Media