Gallery gets green light for extension

 

BY JULIA WADE

Thanks to a community with a generous spirit, Mangawhai Artists Inc.’s (MAI) dream to extend the Village art gallery is set to become a reality. 

Recent crowd-fundraising has cemented the plans for an extra workspace and bathroom facilities to be added onto the Moir Street creative hub, enabling MAI to hold year-round art workshops and classes concurrently with exhibitions, something the group struggle to offer with the gallery’s current size. 

Launched only five weeks ago on February 23, over $110,000 has been pledged with the majority of funds coming from local individuals and businesses, however the campaign also attracted interest nationwide as well as from overseas art lovers. 
MAI members gathered at the gallery on April 1 to count down to the final midday tally. 

“Mangawhai needs this” said group chair Mary-Anne Boyd, adding they are thrilled and encouraged by the many supportive messages for the art workspace. 

“Thank you for participating in this fabulous community effort of crowd funding. We are delighted the vision of an art workspace will come true!” 

Pledges and donations can still be accepted. Visit pledgeme.co.nz/projects or Mangawhai Artists Inc. on Facebook for details.

Gathering at the gallery for the April 1 fundraising deadline, members of MAI say it was a fantastic celebration.  PHOTO/Supplied