Opinion: Sarje plan big ask but smart idea

Mark Dawson, Editor of Wanganui Chronicle

The opening of the Sarjeant on the Quay gallery on Friday evening and its public unveiling on Saturday were variously described as "momentous" and "memorable".

Certainly the re-housing of around 5500 artworks with a value of many millions of dollars is a huge undertaking, and the Sarjeant Gallery staff must be commended on this remarkable effort.

But the creation of a temporary home for this nationally significant collection is, of course, just one hand in a much bigger game of cards.

As Greg Anderson, senior curator of what is affectionately known as "The Sarje", said on Friday, we look forward one day to "an even more special opening up at Queen's Park".

The ultimate aim is the return of the collection to a redeveloped and extended gallery (earthquake-proofed, as well) back at that iconic building on the hill.

It will be a long, taxing journey and it is a brave district council and gallery board of trustees who have taken on the task. But at Friday's gathering there was an air of confidence and commitment that the endeavour would be successful.

As Minister for the Arts, Culture and Heritage Chris Finlayson said in his address: "We are here in this interim gallery because of Wanganui District Council's absolute commitment that the Sarje and its significant collections will continue to be part of Wanganui's and New Zealand's heritage."

There will be those who bridle at the cost of relocating the collection for its anticipated four-year sojourn on Taupo Quay, but it is a smart move.

Schoolchildren will continue to benefit from its educational opportunities; art exhibitions - both national and local - will continue to attract the tourist dollar; and the Sarjeant will be kept in the public eye as the massive fundraising effort gathers momentum.