The Ashburton Art Gallery will over the next six months be carrying out a series of surveys in order to better understand the community it serves. The Gallery last undertook a survey of its members in 2005 and implemented changes to its services as a result of this survey.

As the Gallery is preparing for a major stage in its development, Gallery Manager/Curator Kathryn Mitchell feels that now is the time to make a concerted effort to gather information on the Ashburton District community.

"We want to know who you are, if you visit the Gallery we want to know what you enjoy and what you don't and if you would like to engage in any activities we are not currently offering. If you don't visit the Gallery we want to know why. If we are not relevant to you we want to know how we can better serve your needs. The Ashburton Art Gallery is about people, we are not solely a repository for historical/cultural objects and artworks but are primarily a community space for people to meet socially, to interact, to learn, to be inspired, to think, to be alone, to find space or solitude, a moment away from the world or for others to engage in family orientated activities, to be together, to meet friends, to change ones way of thinking,to ask questions, to engage with ones history, culture or identity.

The recent Creative New Zealand conference I attended in Auckland has helped me to consolidate my ideas in regard to audience development, having the opportunity to engage with professional marketers who have worked extensively with galleries, museums, theatres and event centres internationally has been extremely beneficial in working to understand how to go about addressing communities, working to ensure relevance and inclusive services and putting time and effort towards learning more about the community in which you operate. The Ashburton community has changed significantly, even since I arrived here over three years ago, it is essential to respond to the change by getting to know who the individuals are that make up the community and what is important to them." Kathryn Mitchell

The Ashburton Art Gallery will be conducting in-house surveying of current visitors and members of the Gallery and will also have a staff member out in the community talking to a variety of people in order to fulfil its purpose of being dedicated to the implementation of responsive services. The Ashburton Art Gallery would, therefore, greatly appreciate the community's support in undertaking this work to better target its services. Those completing the survey will go into the draw to win a copy of "Bill's Story: A Portrait of W.A. Sutton" by Pat Unger.

The Ashburton Art Gallery reviewed and rewrote its mission statement in mid 2007 to incorporate its vision for the future. This vision/purpose will be regularly reviewed to ensure the Gallery is working towards the best outcomes for its community.

Our Vision
An accessible, exciting and innovative regional public art gallery which is a source of pride to the Ashburton District community.

Our Purpose
To present a varied, thought provoking and innovative programme of locally, nationally and internationally sourced exhibitions.

To provide a platform for and to support and promote the exhibition of excellent and distinctive works by local artists.

To demonstrate regard for the ethnic and cultural diversity of the Ashburton District.

To care for, develop and optimise use of a permanent collection which establishes a point of difference that celebrates the unique
cultural identity of the Ashburton District.

To form and maintain partnerships with community groups/organisations.

To maintain networks with artists and arts organisations.

To be dedicated to improvement and the implementation of responsive services.

To increase accessibility/awareness of the gallery and its services through a commitment to ongoing education programmes/activities.

Contact: Ashburton Art Gallery
Baring Square East, PO Box 573
Ashburton
Ph/Fax 03 308 1133 / 021 105 2230
Email info@ashburtonartgallery.org.nzThis e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it
Web <a href="http://www.ashburtonartgallery.org.nz" title="www.ashburtonartgallery.org.nz">www.ashburtonartgallery.org.nz</a>