While some of the City Art Collection can be seen in our libraries — Te Awe and Arapaki Libraries in the CBD, Ruth Gotlieb Library in Kilbirnie and Waitohi Library in Johnsonville — the new online gallery allows all the works to be viewed in one place.
It also means researchers and art curators have better access to what we have available for loan in our collection.
“Right now, we have a painting by Georgette Brown in the Kate Sheppard House in Christchurch, and we’ll soon have artwork on loan at the New Zealand Portrait Gallery. We’re always open to lending out artworks to galleries and museums,” says Laura.
The collection gets updated every year with around ten new pieces, in alignment with the Council’s Aho Tini 2030 Arts, Culture and Creativity Strategy which focuse on supporting the careers of local artists.
“When we acquire new works, the artist or work has to have a strong connection to Te Whanganui-a-Tara,” says Laura.
“Emerging and mid-career artists with a robust art practice are our priority, and we’re excited to be adding diverse perspectives to our 140-year-old collection.”
“We collect artwork for the city, from the city, of the city, and the online gallery is a great way to access it.”
Check out some of the artwork below, and explore the whole collection.