Richlister's gallery becomes major art destination

More than 100,000 have visited the Pah Homestead, the TSB Bank Wallace Arts Centre, since it opened in mid-August 2010, far exceeding the projected attendance of 15,000 in its first year.

George Farrant, chief heritage adviser central for the Auckland Council, believes the accomplishment is due to the fact that “legions of Aucklanders have discovered this unexpected gem in their city: word is getting around about the magnificent heritage Pah Homestead with its grand architecture and colourful history, sitting on a sunny hilltop and beautifully restored by Council, centred in an incomparable park setting with a nationally significant mature tree collection, housing an ever-changing gallery collection of superb art open free six days a week, and including an award-winning café. This is surely a combination of attributes that is unequalled in New Zealand.”

A recent survey reinforces Mr Farrant’s estimations that it is the fusion of these unique factors which is the key to The Pah Homestead’s success. Visitors expressed great pleasure in the diverse range of the Wallace Arts Trust Collection, and in the Art Centre’s relaxed and friendly atmosphere imparted by the volunteers, together with an overwhelming appreciation of the restoration and the architecture of the building, as well as of the garden and Monte Cecilia Park—all enhanced by the service and quality of the Pah Café.

Overall, visitors commented that The Pah Homestead was a perfect destination for family outings and introducing international visitors to New Zealand, especially considering its cultural positions and proximity to Auckland and the Auckland airport.

Richlister James Wallace, the director and founder of the Wallace Arts Trust, is delighted that this has become such a popular destination and that a diverse range of people have been exposed to the collection, which in essence is a huge diary of contemporary New Zealand art. Mr Wallace notes that the trust changes exhibitions frequently so there is a guarantee that regular visitors will see different artworks each time they visit.

As well as mounting exhibitions, the trust runs an Artist in Residence programme in conjunction with the University of Otago. The trust provides an apartment and a car while the university nominates one of its fellows and pays them a stipend.

The trust also runs an events programme, providing a platform not only for visual artists but also for poets, musicians, authors and dancers. Furthermore, the trust is developing an education programme targeting schools in the Auckland region and the wider public.

This year the trust will be holding the 20th Annual Wallace Art Awards. These are now the longest surviving and largest awards of their kind in New Zealand, amounting in value to more than $165,000 and consisting, among other prizes, of four overseas residencies.