"Northland artists have been something we've put a focus on because through word of mouth and networks, there's a lot of support."
The gallery had also established a community gallery, for which artists or aspiring curators could submit proposals showcasing their work.
WAM was a Whangarei District Council-controlled organisation and in May, councillors voted to lift the museum's funding to $310,000, but cap it at this amount for the next two years. WAM had requested $365,000.
In the 2014-15 financial year, WAM had 8840 visitors and received $272,000 of ratepayer money plus a $167,000 rent concession. Some councillors said WAM was not delivering good value for money.
Others said WAM was being "funded to fail" and Ms Green-Cole said the museum did, indeed, need more.
"I think WAM has operated under what we've needed for a long time. We need to get more extended sponsorship. It's not just about finding funding but working with other organisations. With [a recent exhibition] Rembrandt Remastered, for example, that was sponsored by Rotary."
Councillors also questioned whether WAM was seeking other funding to complement what it received from the council. WAM's exhibitions were free, though it took in about $4600 in koha the past year.
WAM trust chairman Grant Faber said the external funding environment was "challenging".
"WAM is, and will continue to seek, external funding."
Mr Faber acknowledged it was "logical" that funding was difficult to come by due to having to compete for support with the fundraising effort to build the $16.25 million Hundertwasser Art Centre.