Council secures future for Whanganui glass art

Published on 29 March 2016

29 March 2016

Whanganui’s reputation as a centre for glass arts excellence has been secured, thanks to the purchase of the privately-owned business Chronicle Glass through the Whanganui District Council’s charitable trust Wanganui Incorporated (WINC).

The Rutland Street facility, which will be refurbished, will be used primarily by hot and kiln glass artists and will also be available for students of UCOL’s Bachelor of Design and Art, specialist glass programmes and art and design programmes.

The establishment of a community glass facility is the final piece of the programme initiated by the Whanganui District Council/UCOL Taskforce, established in 2013 to investigate ways UCOL and the community could work together to consider the future of arts and glass, as well as other tertiary studies, in our district.

A collaborative group, made up of representatives of the Council, Whanganui UCOL and Te Puna Matauranga o Whanganui, will oversee the progress of the new glass facility, which will be managed on a day-to-day basis by the Council. The facility will also retain the on-site gallery where the public are able to buy glass art.

Mayor Annette Main says she is very pleased that the future has been secured for a community glass facility.

“Purchasing Chronicle Glass was essential to ensure Whanganui remains a provider of glass art, which it is known for internationally.

“Following the closure of the Wanganui Glass School in December 2015, we knew we needed to do something to sustain our reputation for glass work. The glass artists who either live in Whanganui or use it as a base contribute significantly to our arts economy, as well as to the well-regarded cultural buzz we have in our district. The glass art produced here is also a major attraction for tourists.

“In early 2014, when it was announced that Wanganui Glass School was closing, the Council asked potential users whether they would support a community glass facility and the idea received a high level of support.

“I want to thank Chronicle Glass owners Katie Brown and Lyndsay Patterson for all the work they have done in our community to promote glass art and for their commitment to running a successful business over the last 11 years. The business, which they have worked hard to create, is in good hands and will allow local and international glass artists to continue the experience they have had at Chronicle Glass.

“We look forward to the community glass facility opening later in the year.”