No Import Ban To Art Works Wanted

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31042, 23 April 1966, Page 24

No Import Ban To Art Works Wanted

(Sew Zealand Press Association)

AUCKLAND, April 22.

The Minister of Customs (Mr Shelton) will be asked to waive import restrictions on works of art for public collections when he meets a delegation from the Art Galleries and Museums’ Association on Wednesday.

Dr. R. Cooper, secretary of the association, said in Auckland today that unless this was done almost no works of art for public collections could be imported during the licensing year beginning on July 1. Thirty-three art galleries and museums share a pool licence of £13,500. During the licensing year ending June 30 it was overspent by £7OOO, which has been charged to next year. Dr. Cooper said the balance of £6500 could easily be used up in expenses for travelling exhibitions, agents* fees, freight and insurance. “We have orders from our members worth more than £20,000.” he said. “Things don’t look too good.” The delegation will suggest that all purchases should be registered with the association and if the total for the year exceeds £20.000 the Minister’s approval should be obtained.

director of the Auckland Art Gallery and Dr. R. Forster, director of the Otago Museum.

It will suggest that costs for travelling exhibitions, at present charged to the pool licence, should be covered by a separate licence. In addition to Dr. Cooper, members of the delegation will be Mr G. C. Dicking,