SUPPORT NEEDED.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 43, 20 February 1940, Page 10

SUPPORT NEEDED.

NEW ZEALAND ART. EXHIBITION TO TOUR. (By Telegraph.—Pvess Association.) DUNEDIN, Alonday. "Too often in the past art has been more concerned with art schools and art societies rather than with the man in the street, who, after all, is the person who counts," said the PostmasterGeneral, the Hon. F. Jones, to-night, when formally opening the National Centennial Exhibition of New Zealand Art, which is to be taken oil a tour of the Dominion after its Dunedin season. It was the Government's earnest wish, he said, that the exhibition, would result in a cultural stimulus which would affect all classes. "Art should very properly concern itself with the life of the people if it is to rest on a healthy and secure foundation," added the Minister.

The exhibition was also commended to the public by the Mayor, Mr.' A. H. Allen, and the director of -the exhibition, Dr. A. H. McLintock.

"I have often been asked if there is national art in New Zealand," >said Dr. McLintock. "To this question I must answer that I do not think so and I doubt that su?h an aim will be realised until we realise the distinctive and peculiar characteristics which we have to express. It is local art that demands our support and not from overseas."

If local galleries, Dr. McLintock said, would make an effort this year to build up comprehensive and well-selected collections of New Zealand art they would be serving the Dominion better than in any other possible way.