Christchurch Art Gallery Wins

Christchurch Art Gallery has come away with a haul of accolades after picking up three excellence awards in the 2015 Museums Australia Publication Design Awards (MAPDAs).

Christchurch Art Gallery has come away with a haul of accolades after picking up three excellence awards in the 2015 Museums Australia Publication Design Awards (MAPDAs).

The prestigious annual awards celebrate excellence in the Australasian museums sector and were presented last night at Sydney's Australian National Maritime Museum.

The Gallery took top honours in three categories – Exhibition Catalogue (David Cook: Meet Me in the Square), Magazine (Bulletin), and Poster (Burster, Flipper, Wobbler, Dripper, Spinner, Stacker, Shaker, Maker).

"It's a great result that speaks volumes about the passion, pride and innovation staff have brought to every aspect of the Gallery's projects, despite the difficulties of having our building closed," says Deputy Director Blair Jackson.

"The award for Bulletin is particularly special, as we've been working on the magazine with the University of Canterbury's School of Fine Arts since the start of 2014. It's an outstanding joint accolade that recognises the strength of that collaboration," he says.

Christchurch Art Gallery has won a total of eleven MAPDAs since 2004, including six for Bulletin.

Mr Jackson says the thrill of last night's wins has only added to the excitement surrounding the Gallery's much-anticipated reopening later this year.

"To say we can't wait is a bit of an understatement," he says.

"It's going to be an even bigger celebration come December, followed by an amazing summer of art for the city."

In the meantime, the Gallery is offering art lovers the opportunity to get on board and show their support for the collection.

“We’re asking people to partner with us financially, to help us build a collection of works which expresses our hope for the city’s future,” says Mr Jackson.

“In return, we’re offering exclusive and exciting opportunities to engage with our upcoming programme of exhibitions, artists and other special Gallery events.

“We know that good art really matters for Christchurch, and we want everyone who believes that to join with us."