Mahara Trust appeals for submissions to KCDC plan to save
valuable painting for Kāpiti Coast
The Mahara Gallery Trust is appealing to everyone who supports the Mahara Gallery to make urgent submissions to the KCDC’s long-term plan.
Otherwise, it warns, Kāpiti could lose the chance to keep a nationally important Frances Hodgkin’s collection – which three other areas want for their own galleries.
Trust Chairman John Mowbray points out the Kapiti Coast District Council (KCDC) needs to hear that the community supports continued funding of $86,000 a year, and if possible an increase.
This must happen, he says, or the Mahara project cannot be guaranteed to stay in the Long Term Plan.’
Mr Mowbray says the KCDC needs to know the public supports the proposed Mahara redevelopment,which will enable it to offer more exhibition space and professional facilities for local artists.
Permanent display planned
“Part of that expansion, he says, “will mean we could also permanently display and care for 44 works by New Zealand’s most famous early 20th century artist, Frances Hodgkins, and others.
“She is buried here in Waikanae and had strong links to the area.
“This is a collection of national significance which is being gifted to the district by the Field Trust, along with a generous personal donation of $400,000.
“If we do not grasp this opportunity, there are three other national institutions lining up behind us to receive it: Dunedin Public Gallery, Te Papa Tongarewa, and Auckland Gallery.”
Mr Mowbray says the Mahara Gallery also continued to grow its presence on the national scene. He also emphasizes the continued success of the Gallery.
3,600 visitors in two months
He says: “In the last two months 3,600 visitors from around New Zealand and internationally, came for the first ever survey exhibition of leading
Maori artist – who is also a local artist – Robyn Kahukiwa. “Visitors included many students, from pre-school, through primary and secondary to tertiary level.”
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Note: Submission forms can be picked up from libraries and the Council offices and can also be filled out online.
The link info for making submissions onlin — . http://www.kapiticoast.govt.nz/Documents/Downloads/LTP/Draft/2012-32/Draft-LTP-Part-one-web.pdf
The pages relevant to Mahara are 132-136; and a printable submission form is on page 2 — or you can do it using their online form, see page 2, under ‘Making a Submission’
Or you can email your own written submission (with full name & contact details) to
submissions@kapiticoast.govt.nz