The Friends of Aigantighe are celebrating 50 years of voluntary service, fundraising, and advocacy for South Canterbury’s public art gallery.
Formed in August 1976 with about 300 original members, the Friends began with a simple purpose: to foster interest in the Aigantighe Art Gallery, support exhibitions, bring people together through art, and assist with the purchase of artworks for the public collection.
Five decades later, that community effort has left a lasting mark on the Gallery, its collection, its buildings, and the generations of people who have walked through its doors.
The Friends are an independent incorporated society and registered charity. They do not govern or manage the Gallery, but work alongside it as supporters, fundraisers, communicators, and champions for South Canterbury’s home of art.
Since 1976, the group has helped raise funds for acquisitions, conservation, public events, equipment, gallery amenities, and major building projects. Its members have supported openings, hosted gatherings, shared newsletters, advocated through council processes, and helped keep the Gallery connected to its community.
One of the Friends’ earliest major projects was the commissioning of a bronze sculpture by Francis Shurrock to mark the opening of the 1978 gallery extension. The group also played a central role in supporting that extension, which provided much-needed exhibition and back-of-house space.
Their support continued in 1995 with the development of the climate-controlled painting store, an important step in protecting the Gallery’s growing permanent collection.
Conservation has remained one of the Friends’ most significant contributions. Through fundraising and donor support, the group has helped restore more than 15 artworks, including important pieces such as The Mother by Thomas Kennington and The Gymnast by Francis Shurrock. Many works on paper required specialist treatment before they could safely be stored or displayed.
The Friends have also supported public engagement at the Gallery. Over the years, they have funded seating, a stereo sound system, and the Yamaha grand piano, still used for concerts and events. They have also supported exhibition openings, garden parties, artist talks, community art projects, and art history signage.
For 24 years, from 1995 to 2019, Friends volunteers maintained a front desk programme at the Gallery, welcoming visitors, supporting exhibitions, and helping with retail and security. Some volunteers gave their time weekly for more than a decade.
The anniversary comes after a significant chapter in the Gallery’s history, the strengthening and restoration of the Aigantighe Heritage House. When the historic house closed in 2017 because of earthquake concerns, the Friends helped keep public support for its future alive.
While Timaru District Council, Gallery staff, heritage specialists, consultants, and contractors were responsible for the restoration project, the Friends advocated through council processes, encouraged public discussion, and contributed financially. In 2021, the group pledged $25,000 towards the seismic strengthening and restoration of the Heritage House Gallery.
The restored Heritage House reopened in December 2024, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the site.
Over 50 years, the Friends have helped purchase and support works by New Zealand and international artists, contributed to the care of the collection, and helped keep the story of the Aigantighe in front of the wider community.
Their legacy is one of practical support, celebration, generosity, and civic pride.
As the Friends mark their 50th anniversary, their belief remains simple: the Aigantighe is South Canterbury’s home of art, and its collection, heritage and stories should be protected, shared and enjoyed by future generations.
After half a century, the Friends are still doing what they set out to do in 1976: standing beside the Gallery, helping where they can, and keeping the love of art alive in South Canterbury.