We must define our vision for sake of art

It would hardly come as a surprise to to learn that Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Chris Finlayson is a fan of our own Sarjeant gallery.

Positioned as it is, in the cultural hub of the city, it has built a fine reputation that is known internationally.

So it wasn't something out of the blue to hear Mr Finlayson speak highly of the gallery and plans for an extension.

But those plans date back nearly a decade and were rejected on the basis of cost, which was then put at $4.5 million. It is reasonable to expect that figure to have risen in the intervening years.

While there is no doubt in Mr Finlayson's mind that the project will be completed, previous attempts have stalled, largely because of the burden of cost.

That Wanganui has a vibrant, thriving arts community is in no doubt. What is unclear is the level of public support for such an extension of facilities at the Sarjeant and what benefits any expansion might bring to the community.

Arts and culture are at the heart of any urbane community and Wanganui is blessed with an abundance of talent in that regard. Consider the more than 50 studios involved in the Open Studios event, which this year marked its 11th incarnation with more than $100,000 of work sold.

Linked together, the libraries, Whanganui Regional Museum, War Memorial Convention Centre and Sarjeant Gallery combine to give this city a cultural hub, or heart, that would be the envy of many larger centres.

As Mr Finlayson points out, it is up to us to decide what happens with that, and his support has been noted before at events such as last year's artists in residence exhibition in Parliament.

It would be a tragedy to have any erosion in the services already provided.

Government money is available if we, as a community, can decide what we want out of our gallery and that "hub", but we must first find a clear vision for what that represents, then unite in our bid to make it happen.