Lyn Lye Center
Patrons vs Ratepayers..What a good reason for patrons to pay, on the Govett-Brewster gallery directors own admission. "75% of 6,000 visitors per year to the gallery are from out of town. 70% of whom want to know why there is no Lyn Lye display."Visitors come especially to New Plymouth to see Lyn Lye's works and are disappointed to find them not permanently up at the gallery.This tells me why even build a Lyn Lye centre at all. Just make the Gallery itself the Lyn Lye centre.The gallery costs ratepayers 2.4 million to run now. And soon that figure will grow to 3 million + with the proposed Lyn Lye centres running costs are added in.+ the already perchasing of building and site for the proposed centre.If instead we made the Govett-Brewster itself the world acclaimed Lyn Lye centre this would save the ratepayers costs dramatically.We would only then need the director of the Lyn Lye collection and a small staff employed to look after the collection. And bring in contractors to maintain it when required. Security costs would be minimal as I can't imagine anyone stealing a Lyn Lye sculpture to easily, so the already installed security cameras and a small staff is all thats required.Because the Lyn Lye collection is of such world acclaim and nearly 70% of the 75% visitors are from overseas that especially come to the gallery to see Lyn's work. Then they won't mind paying an admission fee. This should also apply to the 25% locals that visit the gallery per year.This means everyone 100% visits to the gallery are coming to and seeing the Lyn Lye collection and paying a small charge for the privilege, all going towards the running costs of the collection.There is an argument to ratepayers that these visitors to the gallery benefits the local economy, by patronising our restaurants, staying at our motels. And this is true, but it is also true that they pay for their meals and they pay for their motel rooms. They would also expect to pay to see the world famous Lyn Lye collection. This being the reason they came in the first place.All other temporary art exhibitions the gallery exhibits through the year, could be exhibited at the Puke Ariki temporary exhibit area. Who have already successfully exhibited temporary quality art collections and exhibitors. They also introduced a system for locals that if you have your free Puke Ariki library card, access was free, if not you pay.This same system could also be introduced at other council run amenities.All other artworks the gallery owns or are on loan to, should be given back sold loaned or hired out to other galleries.This would save the ratepayers a substasual amount of money, we may even make money, if the director and past directors of the gallery have suggested, Lyn Lye's works are of such worldwide attraction and demand.Part of the money saved, could now support other local community projects, that the majority of the community would much rather support with their rates money.
Rusty Kane NZ
