By ROSALEEN MACBRAYNE
TAURANGA - A new regional art gallery in Tauranga is closer to reality thanks to a $1 million gift to the Civic Art Gallery Trust.
The donor, an individual, wishes to remain anonymous. With the latest boost to its funds, the trust is now two-thirds of the way towards its $8 million target.
If the rest can be raised by the end of March, the gallery could open late next year. It will be housed in the old Bank of New Zealand building on the corner of Wharf and Willow Sts, close to the Tauranga District Council offices and the Baycourt Theatre.
Obtaining the premises last year was the culmination of six years' work by a steering committee.
The council committed $1 million, as did the Bay of Plenty Community Trust, and a substantial amount came from two local estates.
Money in hand covered the $1.7 million cost of the building and the $1.3 million earmarked for its refurbishment.
Fundraising, which started in January last year, is continuing for a $5 million endowment fund to provide for the long-term financial security of the gallery. Trust chairman John Gray says the level of contribution has been outstanding.
Anonymous gift boosts art gallery fund
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