Mayoral question: Should the council reintroduce an arts development?
An art gallery has not been included in the new museum, and the budget for the previously planned Invercargill City Council-led Arts Creativity Centre has been removed from the Long-term Plan.
In the lead up to October’s council elections, we are putting some burning questions to candidates.
Today, we ask the Invercargill Mayoral candidates this:
An art gallery has not been included in the new museum, and the budget for the previously planned Invercargill City Council-led Arts Creativity Centre has been removed from the Long-term Plan. Do you think the council should reintroduce an arts gallery/arts centre development?
If so, do you have a vision for what role the council should play in the arts sector?
THE RESPONSES
Alex Crackett…
If the community clearly calls for it, yes, but let’s be smart about it. Repurpose an existing building rather than starting from scratch. What I hear our community say is that arts and heritage go hand-in-hand and our new museum should reflect that.
I’ve fought for arts and culture to be part of our city’s identity, but I’m also conscious of the financial reality. Ratepayers have already carried the cost of the museum rebuild.
The next steps should be community-led, make the most of assets we already own and explore partnerships before sending another big bill to the public.
Tom Campbell…
Much of the revitalisation of the City centre over the last five years has flowed from the SoRDS work (which I Chaired) to develop a strategy which would reverse the decline in the population of the city during the previous twenty years (remember the prevailing unfunny joke that the last person to leave should turn the lights out).
Almost everything that was proposed through that SoRDS strategy has been implemented, except the recommendation that an art gallery worthy of a large city should be sited at its Centre.
The ambition to do that still exists, but we have no money to build a new gallery. Nor will we have for a number of years.
What we do have is a fabulous collection of art, and a growing number of empty buildings in the city. I would very much support the concept of a gallery in an existing building, especially a heritage building, if that could be executed at low cost to the ratepayer.
Ian Pottinger…
It is extremely disappointing that the extravaganza in Queens Park will not include an Art Gallery, and also equally disappointing that there are no LTP budget allowances.
I truly believe Art Galleries are an essential part of a City, as they not only display creative artistic expression, but serve as an important medium for showing historic events and growth of an area.
As mayor I would first seek community views and get together a group of motivated art driven people to sound out the best way to bring Art to the community.
Every art gallery that I have been to, all I can remember is the art, not what the building looked like. You would need to lease a building, have appropriate lighting, humidity control and knowledgeable staff, plus the ongoing costs to maintain these.
Shouldn't be too hard to bring such costings back for the public to have their say.
Ria Bond…
I whole heartedly believe arts and culture play a vital role in making Invercargill a vibrant, attractive, and future focused city.
While the current Mayor’s vision was to remove arts from our new museum, I’ve never felt that was a sound economic decision. It’s disappointing that one person’s vision will likely cost ratepayers more in the long term, with no art gallery included in the new museum and the budget for an Arts Creativity Centre removed from the Long-term Plan. I do see real value in reintroducing this discussion.
If Council were to support an arts gallery or arts centre development, it must be done in partnership with the community, not solely driven from the top down. Genuine community consultation is essential to ensure the project reflects what people want and what our city can sustainably support.
We should also explore smarter, more efficient options, such as expanding onto existing facilities like Te Unua, where future building potential has already been allowed. This approach makes sense financially and operationally, using existing council resources and infrastructure while creating a modern, fit for purpose space for the arts. Though no project build will be untaken in the next term of council.
I firmly believe the Council’s role in the arts sector should be as an enabler and supporter creating opportunities, ensuring sustainability, and fostering partnerships with local artists, iwi, community groups, and private investors.
A strong arts and culture scene doesn’t just benefit those directly involved, it lifts the whole city by encouraging tourism, supporting economic growth, and giving our community a sense of pride and identity.
Stevey Chernishov…
Invercargill’s new Museum space should exhibit Southland history, alongside art - to inspire & encourage creativity among all visitors.
Museums & art galleries go hand in hand. Exhibits presented in a museum ought to be culturally significant, & creatively inspired. Council should provide a space for locals to present their understanding of history, & be expressive through the arts. Our duty as Council is to do what is best for the people.
Tom Morton…
Yes, I support restoring a strong civic arts presence. An art gallery or arts centre isn’t just about paintings on walls—it’s a vital space for identity, education, youth expression, and civic pride.
My vision is a community-anchored, modular arts space: accessible, multi-use, and deeply connected to our schools and local artists. The council’s role isn’t to own culture—it’s to seed it, support it, and protect the platform it stands on.
With the construction of a massive new museum, I was genuinely surprised - and disappointed—that a public art gallery wasn’t incorporated into the project.
In a past life, I flung paint onto canvas for my own well-being. Even now, I find myself walking
through He Waka Tuia just to breathe in some fresh artistic air.
But with the latest cost blowouts on vanity projects, I’d be reluctant to ask ratepayers for more funding unless we can guarantee long-term value, community benefit, and fiscal responsibility.
Why not incorporate into the new museum with more rotation of displays? Maybe to small but too much money already spent.
Andrew (Maxwell) Clark…
As Mayor, I would reintroduce in Arts gallery Arts Centre for consideration in the long-term plan, perhaps utilising an Existing building.
I think the social, cultural interests of the people and communities are an important component of the community’s well-being.
I am also aware of the Governments clamp down on spending by local councils.
Art can however be supported through non-rates sources such as: Creative NZ’s Creative communities’ scheme other sources may come from businesses, art patrons, fundraising and possible grants such as: (Creative NZ) the Rata Foundation and the Lion Foundation.
Gordon McCrone…
(Chose not to take part)
Anderson House was an excellent space to have art displayed but unfortunately ICC didn't look after this incredible asset in fact they ignored R&M repairs and maintenance for decades which eventually came ad reactive R&M
I would not soley trust a council to be involved but would respectfully agtee they should in gacr financially contribute to allow a private, community and civic ( only for partial funding purposes ) consortium to be invloved. I would have liked that Anderson House would be the facility to use given it's heritage and spectacular location and environment.
Investment to upgrade what's necessary to display and care for the art would be money well spent.
You just need the right people involved when embarking on such a project.
There is opportunity to use this location for multi use such as events and outdoor summer shows. There is a great family facility BBQ/kitchen area off the playground area which can be hired also.
Interesting discussion and a great exchange of views. Gotta love the opportunity to self promote there for one of the candidates, but the options for an art gallery are limited. The community no longer has an appetite to take on more debt to build or extend on the Museum. It makes the most sense to repurpose a building that already exists, and there are certainly plenty of options there.