Artist launches fund to help emerging Rotorua talent

Terry Fergusson's The Bushman's Son's exhibition called Taonga - Gifts from History will directly benefit emerging artists. Photo/Stephen Parker

Rotorua artist Terry Fergusson remembers all too well what it was like being armed with artistic talent but not having money to get ahead.

Now he's putting money where his mouth is by setting up a fund that will directly benefit emerging artists in the Rotorua district.

The Bushman's Son Fund managed by the Geyser Community Foundation is being launched tonight at the opening of Fergusson's new exhibition, Taonga - Gifts from History.

The exhibition at the Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre features 15 portraitures of Maori by Fergusson, who goes under the name The Bushman's Son.

The Bushman's Son, Terry Fergusson's, new exhibition which opens on Friday will directly benefit emerging artists in Rotorua. PHOTO/STEPHEN PARKER

The images, which haven't been seen for more than 100 years, have been lifted from original glass plates from a private collection and the identities of those depicted remain a mystery.

The prices range from $1800 to $2200 and all proceeds will go back into the fund.

Fergusson set up the fund this year and more donations are invited to grow it.

"It's not cheap to create art. You have to use the resources you can afford at the time. To get someone to take you seriously, you need money and that's why I set this up."

Fergusson said he had been lucky in his career and it was now time to give back to the community he loved.

"You can't take it with you when you go. Don't get me wrong, it helps to promote my brand The Bushman's Son but it also helps me give emerging artists a leg up."

Geyser Community Foundation chairman Pat Brown said trustees were pleased to have been chosen to manage the fund on behalf of Fergusson.

"The fund will support emerging artists in the local community to study, engage with or participate in any form of visual arts, be it drawing, painting, photography or sculpture once it has reached its investment target."

Tonight's launch will include an opening karakia from kaumatua Monty Morrison, speeches from Mr Brown and mayor Steve Chadwick as well as performances from Rotorua Primary School's kapa haka group and singer Elisha Hulton.

The exhibition will be on display from tomorrow until August 16. Entry is free.