Temporary Art Gallery To Stay In City Centre For Now
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It has taken three years already for a decision to be made on the future of Invercargill's art gallery, but for now the temporary one will do.
The Community and Regulatory Committee decided on Wednesday May 13 to extend the contract to operate the transitional public art gallery in the city centre.
He Waka Tuia was opened to the public in 2020, and the contract has been extended until June 30, 2031.
Council group manager community spaces and places Rex Capil said other options considered by committee members included not renewing the contract, which would have seen the facility cease operations from January 1, 2027, or renewing its contract only until the opening of the new regional museum, Te Unua Museum of Southland, in 2027.
Elected members received a report outlining the options available regarding its relationship with the Invercargill Public Art Gallery Inc (IPAG), and the provision of an art facility and service within the city.
A feasibility study highlighted the top floor of the old Farmers building, owned by Pascoe Properties, now renamed The Hub, as one of the most suitable spaces for a permanent art gallery.
Director Gaire Thompson said, when contacted, he had supplied council with options on how they could best fit out the 3000sqm space.
“Farmers would be far more economic than building anything. It’s a double-storied building and the rates would be spread across the whole building with other tenants,” he said.
“I’m certainly interested in helping keep the rates down.”
But Mayor Tom Campbell said they have already spent $85 million on a museum. “We now know that the museum for less than 4000sqm is going to cost something like $7 million a year in operating costs.”
He said the museum is a large building that will be capable of exhibiting both art and artefacts, and they should ask the two groups to co-habitat until they are comfortable with their financial situation.
But committee chair Darren Ludlow said there were tensions between the museum and art sectors when sharing the same space.
Cr Ian Pottinger said he couldn’t understand why it was so difficult to make a decision, “this is basically what we need in the city, is an art gallery. We need a space for existing exhibits and visiting ones. It’s not difficult and I just can’t believe that we are going around in circles.”
But Mayor Campbell said “I don’t think we should allocate any substantial capital to that gallery for a number of years, so there’s no point in a detailed consultation.”
Cr Ludlow said the recommendation to extend the remit of He Waka Tuia until 2031 would allow council to work through its long-term options for the provision of a public art gallery in Invercargill.
“This is about ensuring our community continues to have access to meaningful arts experiences, while we carefully consider what the future of that looks like in our city,” he said.
“Council’s partnership with IPAG has consistently demonstrated an operationally-sustainable service for our community, and He Waka Tuia has done a tremendous job of ensuring visual arts continue to remain a visible and valued part of Invercargill.”
The cost per year to retain the facility would include $299,128 for transitional gallery facilities including front-of-house funding, and additional support costs of $13,720.
A further $135,876 would be required for the lease until this reached the end of its term on 1 October 2027. Following this, the lease would likely increase to $146,221.
IPAG Manager Sarah Brown said the committee’s recommendation would enable IPAG and Council to continue delivering an arts facility in collaboration with one another.
“The recommendation to extend council’s support of He Waka Tuia is about recognising the importance of the arts in not only adding to the vibrancy of a community, but in ensuring our community sees itself reflected within its creative spaces,” she said.
“Our team is extremely proud of the work we do to increase the visibility of the arts and culture within our community, and how much this resonates with the many visitors to He Waka Tuia.”
A final decision would be made at a full council meeting on 26 May.