Funding gains momentum

Image demonstrating the Fundraising target.

Chairman of the AAGF: "We remain confident that we will reach our target with the support of those who see art not as an indulgence but an essential part of the development, growth and fabric of our community."

From City Scene, published on 2 August, 2009.

The Auckland Art Gallery development is the result of a three-way funding partnership between central government, Auckland City Council and the Auckland Art Gallery Foundation (AAGF).

The AAGF was established as an independent charitable trust in February 2005 to the support the gallery in raising funds for its major building development project.

To date AAGF have achieved 53 per cent of their $33.4 million funding target, driven by their passion to create a unique and engaging destination not just for Auckland, but for New Zealand.

John Judge, chairman of the AAGF, and his fellow trustees are the driving force behind the success achieved by the foundation.

"A project of this size, whilst not without its considerable cost, is immeasurable in the cultural and community value it creates," says John (pictured right). "We remain confident that we will reach our target with the support of those who see art not as an indulgence but an essential part of the development, growth and fabric of our community."

The foundation has reached out into the community, sourcing funds from private individuals, family trusts, corporate bodies and community funding agencies like the ASB Community Trust, the largest non-council, non-government funder to date.