Charlotte Gray

I jumped at the opportunity to join the Foundation in October 2014 when I heard about the plan to purchase five great works. The Gallery has fantastic vision and is in great hands right now. One of my favourite artworks in Christchurch is Martin Creed’s Work No. 2314 which tells us everything is going to be alright. I like the simple message in dazzling lights. For me it symbolises the pretence I showed, for the sake of my kids, that the earthquakes were nothing to worry about. I have my parents to thank for surrounding me with good New Zealand art and making it part of the everyday conversation – the disagreements were part of the fun.

Brent Williams

My favourite artwork is Michael Parekowhai’s Chapman’s Homer – no question. It symbolises the strength of the bull and the strength of Christchurch post-earthquake. I’ve been involved with the Foundation since early 2015 and love what the Foundation is achieving post-earthquake. I enjoy being involved with an organisation that is attracting people back into the city.

Blair Jackson

As director of Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū my focus is on expanding and broadening our audiences and exploring new ways of engaging visitors with our exhibitions programme and collections. Galleries are no longer just showcases that we visit to see the creativity of others. They need to be places that encourage the experiential; a place for us to interact with, take risks and develop our own creativity. The ability to think creatively is, now more than ever, one of the most important human resources. I am extremely lucky to have a very talented team. I know them well and love working with them. The gallery is also fortunate to have a fantastic group of supporters and commercial partners.

Jim Borthwick

Art has always been important to me; my interest was fired by seeing impressionist art for the first time in Paris when I was 21. I love the challenge and inspiration that great art creates. Every piece of art has its own story.

As an ophthalmologist I’m fascinated by the difference between what the eye sees and how a person perceives and interprets a piece of art.

Born and bred in Christchurch I am pleased to be a trustee on the Art Gallery Foundation The reopening of the Art Gallery after the earthquake has been integral to central Christchurch becoming culturally alive again and attracting us back to the city . I am pleased to be part of that and the exciting future the Art Gallery and Christchurch has in store for us all

Pen Gough

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.

Eliza Turbull

Chris Anderson

Growing up I was introduced to art through my grandparents who had an interesting collection of traditional New Zealand art. I have always had an interest in art since then, however this interest peaked after meeting my wife Claire who is an artist herself.

Over the years together we have very much enjoyed being part of the Foundation TOGETHER programme at Christchurch Art Gallery and supporting the various events and exhibitions.

I have greatly admired the amazing work undertaken by the Foundation and I’m honoured to have been invited to become a member of its board.

Rosa Carter

From a young age, the art galleries of Christchurch have been a special place for me – Robert McDougall and CoCA in particular – and I understand the impact of art in all its forms on people’s lives in this new era of our city. I am a lover of all things art – my first investment when aged in my twenties was not property, it was two Stanley Palmer artworks!

I am delighted to now be in a position to blend my governance and corporate experience with my genuine desire to be involved in my home city with the Christchurch Art Gallery Foundation. Its vision to continue building a legacy of artworks for generations of Christchurch families and visitors to enjoy in the future, while supporting the arts community, is something which I am very excited to be involved with.

Grant Anderson

Starting out as a collector of art some 20 odd years ago, I have come to respect and admire the talents in others which I don’t possess . This appreciation and what is now a passion for art has grown to the extent that I find myself gravitating towards the local art galleries and dealers whenever travelling both in NZ and overseas.

It seems fitting now that my involvement with the Christchurch Art Gallery Foundation can provide an extension to those past experiences and at the same time make use of some of the skills I have acquired as a chartered accountant during my years in practice.

Being part of the Foundation’s team and its initiatives to support the Gallery and build on its collection of works provides an exciting prospect and one which I am certainly looking forward to.

Marianne Hargreaves

I joined the Friends of the Gallery when the Robert McDougall Art Gallery was the place to go and see amazing national and international touring exhibitions alongside the city’s own art collection. We started a group to fundraise towards a special work of art for the oriel window of the new Christchurch Art Gallery – Didn’t Get to Sleep Last Night by Jim Speers. The Friends and the Foundation continue to create interesting events that support artists, collectors and the Gallery itself.

Being part of the Christchurch Art Gallery Foundation is a wonderful way to see how committed people are to ensuring Christchurch has a collection that tells the story, past and present, of Aotearoa.