For the love of art
The Friends of the Aigantighe have been supporting the Aigantighe Art Gallery and the arts community of South Canterbury since 1976. Formed at a pivotal moment in the gallery's history, the Friends were established to help foster public interest in the visual arts, support exhibitions and educational activities, assist with acquisitions, and encourage community involvement in the gallery's growth.
Over the past 50 years, the Friends have made a lasting contribution to the cultural life of our region. They have helped acquire artworks, support conservation and collection care, sponsor exhibitions and prizes, contribute to educational initiatives, advocate for the gallery, and assist with special projects that connect people with art. Just as importantly, they have built a community of members, volunteers and supporters who share a passion for creativity and culture.
The Friends continue a tradition of community generosity that stretches back to the founding of the Aigantighe itself. Through fundraising, volunteering and advocacy, they have helped ensure that the gallery remains a welcoming place where people can experience art, learn new perspectives and celebrate creative expression. As they mark their 50th anniversary, the Friends are looking ahead to the next generation of support through the establishment of the Aoraki Art Fund.
Committee Member or Cara
“Quote about Art or the Fund.“
About the Aoraki Art Fund
The Aoraki Art Fund is a permanent endowment established by the Friends of the Aigantighe in partnership with the Aoraki Foundation. Its purpose is to provide long-term financial support for projects and initiatives that foster a love of visual arts in South Canterbury and strengthen the connection between the community and the Aigantighe Art Gallery.
Unlike an annual fundraising appeal, the Aoraki Art Fund is designed to create support that lasts for generations. Donations are invested through the Aoraki Foundation, with the capital preserved and grown over time. Income generated by the fund can then be used to support the Friends' charitable purpose and a range of activities that enrich cultural life in our region.
In the years ahead, the fund may help support exhibitions, education programmes, conservation work, collection care, art acquisitions, artist opportunities, community engagement initiatives and other projects that inspire creativity and participation in the arts.
The Aoraki Art Fund continues a tradition of generosity that has shaped the Aigantighe from the beginning. It offers today's community an opportunity to invest in the future of art in South Canterbury, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy, learn from and be inspired by the visual arts.
50th Anniversary Matched Giving Campaign
To celebrate 50 years of friendship, advocacy and support for the Aigantighe Art Gallery, the Friends of the Aigantighe are launching a special matched giving campaign to establish the Aoraki Art Fund.
As part of this milestone celebration, the Friends have committed $50,000 towards the fund and will match every dollar donated by the community, dollar-for-dollar, up to that amount. This means community support has the power to unlock a total of $100,000 for the future of art in South Canterbury.
Every gift will make an immediate impact. A donation of $50 becomes $100. A gift of $500 becomes $1,000. Together, these contributions will create a permanent source of funding that can support arts and cultural initiatives for generations to come.
This campaign is more than a fundraiser. It is an invitation to be part of the next chapter in the Aigantighe's story and to help turn 50 years of friendship into lasting support for the future of art.
How do I help grow this fund?
To celebrate 50 years of championing art in South Canterbury, the Friends of Aigantighe have committed to raising $50,000 to establish the Aoraki Art Fund.
Even better, every dollar donated will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the Friends of Aigantighe, up to the $50,000 target. That means together we can launch the fund with $100,000, creating a permanent source of support for art, artists and the Aigantighe Art Gallery for generations to come.
Aoraki Art Fund Matched Giving
Community target: $50,000Raised so far: $0Matched left funds to unlock: $50,000You can be part of this exciting legacy by making a one-off gift or regular monthly donation today. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps build the fund and unlock additional matched funding.
All donations are eligible for a 33% tax credit.
If you would prefer to donate by bank transfer or would like to include the Aoraki Art Fund in your Will, please contact us.
Stories / Resources
Aoraki Art Flyer
Can I get a grant?
The Aoraki Art Fund does not provide individual grants to the public. This is a community fund that provides the income directly to the Friends of Aigantighe. The Friends will use this money to support community and creative led projects that foster the love of visual arts in South Canterbury, in collaboration with Aigantighe Art Gallery.