Arts Centre opens community exhibition space
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A new community exhibition space is opening in the Christchurch Arts Centre's restored Boys' High building on Worcester Boulevard.
The new exhibition space, Pūmanawa, will open on July 26 with a fundraising exhibition of limited edition, behind-the-scenes photographs of the Arts Centre’s restoration. Entitled Restore, the exhibition features spectacular large format images taken by Christchurch photographer Johannes van Kan who has been documenting the Arts Centre’s post-earthquake restoration since 2013.
Photographer Johannes van Kan inside the new exhibition space.
The unique photographic artworks will be for sale, with all proceeds going toward restoration of the Arts Centre – an independent charity held in trust for the people of Canterbury and its visitors.
Restoration of more than half of the Arts Centre is now complete but the remainder of this painstaking work cannot be finished unless another $35m is fundraised, says Arts Centre Fundraising Manager Susan Henson.
“Johannes is one of Christchurch’s leading photographers and we are grateful that he has donated his skills and captured the restoration in such an artistic manner – the images can only be described as stunning,” she says.
“The Arts Centre is a unique historical treasure in Canterbury and these photographs give a very special insight into the care and attention that has gone into saving it for future generations. This is a chance for individuals and corporates to purchase their own a slice of our city’s history while at the same time helping to ensure that this incredibly important restoration is completed.”
Following Restore, Pūmanawa – which means natural talent – can be hired on a weekly basis by artists, photographers, designers and members of other creative organisations at a cost of $300 plus GST.
Susan says the bright and lofty upper-floor exhibition space has been especially designed for community use.
“The high-vaulted ceiling, meticulously restored paintwork and woodwork, and natural light make it a perfect space to exhibit. It’s also within close proximity to other art establishments in the central city.”
Offering the space to artists and arts-focused community groups at an affordable rate perfectly aligns with the Arts Centre’s goal of fostering arts, culture, education and creative industries in the heart of Christchurch, says Arts Centre Chief Executive André Lovatt.
“Our day-to-day focus is restoring these unique historic buildings but the driving force behind it is to create a home for creative entrepreneurs in the heart of the city. We’re determined to be more relevant to our community than we have ever been and this is another way of achieving this.”