Foundation North have approved a grant of $1.8 million towards the Whangarei-based Hundertwasser Art Centre with Wairau Maori Art Gallery.
The grant will enable the centre to proceed with its final pre-construction stages.
“The fund from Foundation North gives us a platform to go out and help tell the public we’re closing the gap towards reaching our target goal,” Hundertwasser Fundraising Co-ordinator Clive Jackson says.
“We’re now at nearly 80 percent of the funding needed and this is absolutely brilliant.”
The Art Centre draws its inspiration from internationally recognised Austrian artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser.
Foundation North CEO Jennifer Gill says the Foundation is pleased to be supporting the project.
“This project aligns with our vision that our grantmaking enhances the lives of the people of our region, and we believe this new art centre will do just that.
“The dual purpose complex of the art centre and museum will have a positive impact for the North and we’re looking forward to seeing its growth.”