12 Dec pattillo project launches in 2020
The Sarjeant Gallery launches the pattillo project
The Whanganui Arts Review is the longest running event of its type in the country and in 2020 the Sarjeant Gallery Te Whare o Rehua Whanganui is thrilled to produce the 32nd edition of this much-loved open call exhibition in partnership with Anne Pattillo and her company pattillo who is the principal sponsor.
The pattillo Whanganui Arts Review is intended to be a true reflection of the Whanganui region’s creative energy and as such it is open to artists of any age, who live in the Whanganui region, including Ruapehu and Rangitikei and all areas that link to the Whanganui River. Works of all media are acceptable for entry.
Supported in principal by pattillo, the Arts Review is also sustained by a strong group of Whanganui businesses, with this year’s Whanganui Arts Review offering eleven Merit Awards of $200 each, two Excellence Awards of $1000 each and the main award, the Open Award of $5000 plus the opportunity to accept the pattillo project – a solo artist showcase exhibition.
The pattillo project gives the winning Arts Review artist the opportunity to experience professional curatorial support, connection and access to the Sarjeant Gallery and its collection and archives, increased visibility, promotional and marketing support and the enhanced prestige that comes with having a solo exhibition at one of New Zealand’s prestigious public galleries.
The pattillo project has been specifically created to elevate local artists nationally and will be an ongoing exhibition line for the Sarjeant for the years to come. It is envisaged that the pattillo project will support and uplift the huge talent pool in this region and expose Whanganui’s artists nationally, and that therefore the pattillo project will ultimately become synonymous with the most exciting art – from New Zealand’s most exciting art region.
Principal sponsor Anne Pattillo says “Our purpose with the pattillo project is to provide a mentored opportunity for winners of the Arts Review to showcase their work on what we think is New Zealand’s premier arts stage; the Sarjeant Gallery. The current redevelopment will strengthen and extend the standing of the gallery as the place to be seen for New Zealand and international artists alike. Winning the Arts Review is an important recognition for any artist. We hope the pattillo project adds value to that recognition – Whanganui Arts Review winner.”
The pattillo project exhibitions will be promoted by the Sarjeant’s media team and also offered to other New Zealand galleries as a touring show.
The inaugural pattillo project artist is Dr Kathryn Wightman, who won the 2019 pattillo Whanganui Arts Review Open Award with her work Austin. Dr Wightman said: “Whanganui is home to so many amazingly talented creative people, so to be selected as the first ever recipient of the pattillo project is a huge honour. The addition of mentorship and a solo show is a huge boost to the pattillo Whanganui Arts Review and I believe it will be an invaluable step in the future development of my career. I very much look forward to working with the team at the Sarjeant Gallery to develop work over the coming year”
pattillo project 2020: Dr Kathryn Wightman
Opening day: Saturday 15 February 2020
Closing day: Sunday 3 May 2020
For any firther information or to arrange an interview with Anne Pattillo of pattillo or the Sarjeant Gallery Curator and Public Programmes Manager Greg Donson please contact Jaki.Arthur@sarjeant.org.nz or 027 577 4923