Big grants for galleries

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33693, 16 November 1974, Page 18

Big grants for galleries

(From Our Own Reporter) WELLINGTON, November 15.

Museums and art galleries in Canterbury will receive financial assistance from the Government totalling 539,400 during the coming year, the Minister of Internal Affairs (MrMay) has announced. The Canterbury Museum will receive $5400 towards operating costs involved in assisting district museums. This is over and above the $12,500 which the museum will receive as the second instalment of the $lOO,OOO approved by the Government last year for the anniversary wing. The Robert McDougall Art Gallery will receive a grant of $5OOO.

The money will be used to provide a portable art display for exhibition in schools, public libraries, and community centres. It will provide most of the finance necessary for the purchase of a vehicle and the manufacture of 12 folding display panels—each of which will display a particular period, style, or topic in art.

The aim of this community I project was to increase interest and understanding of art among a wide cross-section of ages and interest, said the director of the gallery (Mr B. D. Muir) in his formal application for funds. “Its main role will be an educational one,” said Mr Muir. “There is a demand for this kind of service, particularly from schools, where art history is now an important part of the curriculum.”

Mr Muir hopes that the scheme will also provide a stimulating link between the gallery and the community which it serves.

The Geraldine Country Historical Society’s efforts to rebuild the old Town Board office as a museum have been boosted by a $l5OO grant from the fund.

A grant of $15,000 for the Ferrymead Display Hall which was approved in principle last year has been confirmed by Mr May. The hall will house items of transport and scientific interest.

More than 30 art galleries and museums will receive nearly $300,000 in grants and subsidies in the next 12 months.

Mr May said this figure included $270,165 in subsidies on capital works and $29,650 in grants to assist smaller museums.

Approval has also been fiven to grants totalling 176,500 to be made available during 1975-76.

The grants range from $75 to the Helensville and District Historical Society up to $75,000 to the Hawke’s Bay art gallery and museum.