Rotorua Lakes Council is spending more than $319,000 a year to store, insure and maintain a $21 million-plus art collection – much of which the public hasn't seen since Rotorua Museum closed in 2016.
By Mathew Nash of Local Democracy Reporting
The council holds 2878 works of art, including 1526 donated pieces, and stores 348 works owned by other parties.
The council-owned collection is estimated to be worth $13.66m, including $6.9m of gifted works. The privately owned works held by council have a combined estimated value of $7.9m.
Figures supplied to Local Democracy Reporting show the council spends about $288,627 a year on storage, $25,343 on insurance and $5000 on maintenance and conservation.
The collection has not been publicly displayed at the museum since it closed for earthquake strengthening and restoration work in 2016.
Council community experience manager Alex Wilson said opportunities to display more of the collection elsewhere had been explored but were not progressed for financial reasons.
"The cost of the security and environmental control standards that are required was prohibitive," she said.
Wilson said decisions about the future management, display and investment in the collection could be considered as part of the next Long-Term Plan process.
She said the council had not commissioned a standalone review of its art collection.
Mayor Tania Tapsell said the museum’s reopening would provide an opportunity to display more of the collection.
The museum building work should be completed next month, reopening in mid-to-late 2028.
"In September, the museum building will be fixed, and work will start on our world-class exhibition," Tapsell said.
"The exciting part now begins as we complete the design and confirm which taonga and artwork will be on display."
Tapsell said she wanted more of the collection to be accessible.
"What I hope is that these incredible pieces get to be displayed publicly, even if during temporary and changing exhibitions," she said.
She also acknowledged museums could not display their entire collection. She said any decisions to remove works from the collection – a process known as deaccessioning n–eeded to be made carefully, particularly where items had cultural, historical or local significance.
"I believe there is a very real need to protect historic and cultural artefacts, especially with local connection," she said.
"Keeping artwork in storage is a debate that has started across the country, and I’m committed to reviewing how we can best protect our art and history while ensuring a return on this investment for locals."
Tapsell said that return could be social or financial.
The council could not reveal who owned the works held on loan, citing confidentiality.
Almost all scaffolding has been removed from the museum, with construction work expected to finish next month.
However, the museum faces another major hurdle before it can reopen: a $7m-$8m shortfall in its exhibition budget.
Fundraising is underway, including the Friends of Rotorua Museum’s 1000 Friends campaign, which has raised $94,000 towards a $1m target.
An Off-Broadway concert fundraiser is later this month.
Tapsell said she would welcome opportunities to display works before 2028 if suitable venues could be found.
"I'd love for locals and visitors to see nationally and internationally significant artwork in Rotorua and not just the big cities," she said.
- LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
SHARE ME