Newsflash! Exciting times ahead…

Tēnā koutou Gus Fisher Gallery whānau, friends and supporters,

Since 2001, The Gus Fisher Gallery has been the site of around 200 exhibitions, showcasing the work of incredible artists and researchers, and welcoming visitors from Auckland and abroad through its doors.

We now feel it is time to show our Grade I listed building some much needed love and attention as we embark on an ambitious journey to become Auckland’s new centre of contemporary art.

With a new Curator in place and an expanding and committed team, we will be pausing for reflection to carry out some key refurbishment works to the building so we can make best use of our stunning gallery spaces. This will involve making key upgrades that are essential for a working gallery and that are in keeping with our building’s heritage listing.

Alongside these vital changes, we will also be working hard behind the scenes to create an artistic programme that we believe can bring something different to Auckland’s cultural scene. Drawing on our unique radio and television history, our location on Shortland Street and our role as The University of Auckland’s flagship gallery, we believe there is huge potential to further develop our profile and facilitate conversations through art that are as relevant to a shopper on Queen Street as a student studying art. Enjoying and finding meaning through art and culture is something we value and encourage everyone to do. And of course, it can actually be fun!

Whilst our ideas are still in the developmental stage, we aim to create multiple offers that will combine permanent displays, new commissions and site-specific responses alongside relevant exhibitions of the highest calibre artists.

Throughout this time, we will have a higher online presence via our new website which we will be adding to and developing as well as our Facebook and Instagram pages which will feature lots of image updates. Whilst the galleries will be closed to the public, we will still be based in the gallery offices so feel free to pop in to say hello as we are always available for a chat and to answer any questions you may have. We will be visible online and we can always be spotted getting the morning hot chocolate fixes on Shortland Street that keep us re-fuelled for our exciting journey ahead!

You can also contact us via our new website where we will keep you up to date on all the activities being carried out behind the scenes.

We want to be a destination for art in the city and we hope you can join us on our journey.

Hei konā mai, see you next April! X

Nāku, nā,

Lisa Beauchamp, Curator of Contemporary Art

Julia Craig, Public Programmes and Engagement Officer

Hannah Burgoyne, Gallery Assistant