Trust applauds $4m government funding for art centre

Today's announcement of central government support, made by Minister of Economic Development Steven Joyce, provides a key step forward in funding for Whangarei’s Hundertwasser Art Centre & Wairau Maori Art Gallery.

Whangarei Art Museum Trust, the charitable fundraising entity and eventual operators of the art centre, call the contribution ‘significant and timely.’

“Many in our community and throughout New Zealand have been long-time supporters of this project,” says Trust chair Grant Faber “and as more people have come to learn about and understand it, support has continued to build.”

“The vision of supporters is of an art centre of international standing, that not only enriches Northland’s and New Zealand's vibrant arts community, but also creates an outstanding point of difference for our district; a new reason to stop in Whangarei and a catalyst for a reinvigoration of our city. The project has already attracted the interest of developers and tourism operators and will bring jobs and economic development to Northland."

The large central government contribution heralds the start of a vigorous local and national campaign to raise the full amount needed.

63% of the funds required for the $16.25m project are now secured, but a further $6m must still be raised before the deadline of June 2017.

“Now is the time for Northlanders and all New Zealanders to step forward and support this unique opportunity to create the very last Hundertwasser building in the world, right here in Whangarei. As well as being unique and iconic artwork in it’s own right, the art centre will house the only dedicated gallery of contemporary Maori art in New Zealand.”

Whangarei Art Museum Trust acknowledge the huge amount of voluntary work that is going into making the Hundertwasser Art Centre project a reality. This is a true community-lead project, steered by Whangarei Art Museum and Prosper Northland Trust, working in partnership, with many people donating time and expertise.

Visit www.yeswhangarei.co.nz for more information on the project.

ENDS

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