Council queries arts allocation

Press, 28 June 1983, Page 8

Council queries arts allocation

The strength of the Queen Elizabeth II Arts Council’s financial commitment to the visual arts should be analysed, said the Mayor of Christchurch, Sir Hamish Hay, yesterday. City Council cultural committee members were concerned about the small amount received last year to help the Robert McDougall Art Gallery buy art works. The council’s gallery received $3200 to help purchase art, but the Arts Council’s advisory officer, Mr John McCormack, told the council in a letter that that was “a significant share of the funds available under the scheme for that year.” Of $30,000 allocated by the Arts Council, no New Zealand gallery had

received more than the McDougall’s share. The Arts Council was not in a position to increase its acquisition subsidy scheme this year, and any increase for metropolitan galleries would have to be at the expense of smaller galleries in provincial centres. While the Arts Council might agree that the McDougall Art Gallery’s “splendid record” in the area of purchases was deserving of greater council support, said Mr McCormack, it would be difficult enough this year to maintain the subsidies at the present levels. Cr M. J. Glubb said that $30,000 for all public galleries was “meagre — it would not keep a church-mouse stimulated.”