Art for the people to the people and with the people

The new Hastings City Art Gallery Director Toni MacKinnon wants to bring the community into the gallery, and take some of the gallery’s art, artists and staff out into the community.

“Buildings can be quite foreboding places and I’m a great believer in making an art gallery part of the community. I hope to work closely with communities, marae, and local organisations to build on our programmes and find new ways to connect with people.”

Toni MacKinnon comes with a wealth of experience. Most recently she has been working as the Manager for Learning and Engagement with the Auckland Museum. During her time there she developed the museum’s outreach programmes and this led to a big increase in visitors to the museum.  Programming initiatives at the museum included “Tungaru” a Kiribati community engagement project which will be coming to the Hastings City Art Gallery in June.

After starting in the role this week, Toni MacKinnon said she feels the Hastings City Art Gallery has reached an exciting time in its development with staff who are talented, enthusiastic and keen to engage more with people and communities.

“Personally, I think art is great fun. Art helps us celebrate who we are and helps us understand ourselves and those around us. It’s even more fun when people get involved with art, see it being created and talk to the artists. I want to help people share that fun.”

For more information:
Karlum Lattimore
Communications Manager
(06) 871 5000

4 October 2017

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