CULTURE IN AUCKLAND

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 841, 9 December 1929, Page 11

CULTURE IN AUCKLAND

BRIGHT prospects for FINE ARTS BUILDING OLD GRAMMAR SCHOOL SITE Prospects seem very bright for the establishment of a Fine Arts block on the old Grammar School site in Symonds Street. It is considered in some quarters that a definite start will be made with the plans for the building in about six months’ time. On Saturday evening, at the concluding performance of the Auckland Little Theatre Society’s recent production, Mr. Kenneth Brampton, the producer, told the audience that he might have something definite to tell members and supporters at the first production next year. He referred to the prospects of a new theatre in which the society’s plays would be staged. The old Grammar School site is the place desired by those concerned for the establishment of the Fine Arts block and a deputation from the University College Board of Governors has approached the Auckland City Council to see whether some combined scheme could not be arranged. Negotiations between the various peoples concerned ai - e still going on, but as far as the University is concerned the outlook is particularly bright.

The proposals for the formation of this Fine Arts block have been discussed for many months. The scheme is that all the leading cultural organisations in the City give their support to the University. These organisations, which are quite favourable to the scheme, include the Little Theatre Society, the Art Society, the Amateur Operatic Society and musical societies. Included in the Fine Arts block, when it reaches finality, will be the City Art Gallery. On the university side the faculties of architecture, music, etc., will be included as well as a school of fine arts. Thus the City, the university and the cultural societies of Auckland will all benefit from the establishment of a Fine Arts block.

The site of the proposed block is at present vested in the Grammar School Board, but it is believed that the Board will do all in its power to help the university providing the board’s interests are conserved. There should be no hindering influences from this quarter. Ultimately, something will have to be done to provide accommodation for the students at the university studying the fine arts as space in the college buildings at present is at a minimum. The only solution is the establishment of a separate building and a definite decision is eagerly awaited by the many people and societies which are interested. The site is an ideal one, close to the City’s arterial tramways and within a few minutes’ walk of Queen Street. Its proximity to the university is also in its favour for it is desirable that all buildings associated with culture in the City should be close together. The Little Theatre Society, which is growing bigger and more successful each year, is greatly in need of a permanent home and the idea is to have an intimate iheatre in the proposed Fine Arts block. The Art Society, although it has taken a new home, would welcome the erection of a new art gallery for the City, as its present galleries are hopelessly overcrowded and many of the pictures cannot be displayed to advantage. The musical societies would also welcome a theatre in which to give concerts and recitals.