Artists Acknowledgement

NPDC councillors have commented that I have changed my tune on the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery. I have not, I still acknowledge that I love art, but not at the ratepayers expence. I don't believe that the NPDC ratepayers should be paying for it when there are more important core issues of expenditure. My comments do not mean that I am against art, I am just stating the fact of community ratepayers perception on the council buying art. I do believe the last council has helped enforced that community perception, by not adhering to or listening to their ratepayers. Who have been saying for sometime now that art is a luxury not a necessity for council to be spending ratepayers money on. By doing so I believe the council have enforced that perception and damaged the perception of art in general. The Govett-Brewster has been telling council and ratepayers they only have limited room to store art, one of the reasons they give to have a separate Lyn Lye Center. Yet they are buying more art acquisitions, buying art is not a council core function. To have that art stored and hidden out of view for long periods of time in the bows of the art gallery like most of the Len Lye Collection is only a cost to the ratepayers. Art needs to be seen not hidden, hence the Len Lye Center. The ratepayers would have a better perception of the council buying art if it paid dividends for them. The council should I believe be instead of storing the art for the pleasure of a few to view. That the NPDC should instead hire out their collections of art even sell some pieces to other galleries producing an income. Leaving the gallery free to temporarily pre-store new works and shows for exhibiting, as well as implementing a door charge to see the exhibits. This would satisfy most ratepayers and help New Plymouth promote itself to other regions and countries. I believe this is good advice, not a criticism of art or that there is no place for art.

Rusty Kane
Artist