Ōamaru’s Forrester Gallery has secured major funding for the next stage in its ambitious upgrade project.

The gallery has received a grant of $400,000 from the Lottery Environment and Heritage Fund, and $60,000 from the John Westwood Christie Trust.

Stage two of the project is the final phase of the cultural facilities development project, which has also included improvements to the Waitaki Museum and Archive.

Cultural facilities director Chloe Searle said the project represents a significant milestone in the evolution of the Forrester Gallery, allowing it to expand its exhibition, education and storage spaces and improve accessibility with an extension to the historic Ōamaru building.

The gallery’s application to the Lottery Environment and Heritage Fund had to successfully demonstrate the project’s alignment with the fund’s purpose to protect, conserve and promote New Zealand’s natural, cultural and physical heritage.

Chloe noted the fund committee received 89 requests this round, seeking $28.1m, with only $5.8m available to distribute. 

“The fact that the gallery stage two project secured 6.89% of the total funds available across New Zealand, is recognition of the value this national organisation places on this important project.”

She was grateful to the project team, which included gallery staff and council property and finance departments, who worked on preparing supporting information, as well as the external organisations that supplied letters of support for the application.

It was hard work and dedication from the Friends of the Forrester Gallery that landed the John Westwood Christie Trust grant, Chloe said.

“The friends are an amazing group of supporters and advocates for the arts who have been tirelessly working on fundraising efforts to contribute to the Stage 2 Gallery project. 

“This additional funding will bolster the project’s resources towards helping the Forrester Gallery realise its full potential and solidifying its status as a vibrant cultural hub for the community.”

The trust supports local charitable organisations involved in education; health; and arts, culture and heritage, and has supported the Friends of the Forrester in the past for stage one of the project, and with acquiring artworks for the collection.

Chloe said they were extremely grateful to both groups for their support.

“These grants will help bring us a step closer to our vision of an exceptional gallery space that enriches the cultural landscape of our town and district.

“We look forward to one day welcoming visitors to our enhanced facility and providing them with an unforgettable artistic experience.”