B.

Art is a very important medium that captures moments both in time and expression, I have a piece from a local artist that was commissioned in 2005 of Banks Peninsula and now its meaning has more significance post-earthquakes.

The new Christchurch will be a bright, modern environment with cutting architecture, brilliant landscape design and functional spaces. However we are also steeped in rich history and Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū will be the vehicle to capture all these aspects of our heritage.

Art absolutely feeds my soul. It makes me feel like a real person. After a year of living with no art I didn’t realise what was wrong until we got it back. We thought “That’s what the problem was!” We just missed it so much.   

Art makes me feel complete, connected, it’s just everywhere for me.

It’s exciting to be partnering with Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū because at its core is people; all of whom are fun, interesting, slightly mad (!), and great to work with and learn from.

Art plays a massive role in new Christchurch. We have a number of works in Christchurch that are genuinely world-class, and so we’ve got an opportunity to pitch to the rest of NZ, and the world, that Christchurch supports the arts, creativity, and doing things amazingly – and differently. But actually better than pitching that to others, it’d be great if actually that just became part of the modus operandi of Christchurch, and art can play a big part.

I’ve loved art as long I can remember. Growing up, my home was full of art and ever since it’s always been a part of my life. My favourite piece is Chapman’s Homer, especially because the whole city got behind the campaign to buy it for our city. I joined the Foundation board in February 2015 and love the work the Foundation is involved in. I was a part of the group that visited London in July and saw Bridget Riley’s work. The trip was life-changing and I absolutely can’t wait to see what she decides to do for Christchurch.