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Te Manawa
Art Society (TMAS)

Welcome

The Te Manawa Art Society Incorporated is a membership organization and we welcome new members.

Art lovers, collectors, art patrons, and artists comprise the Society membership today. The Society owes a debt of gratitude to past members and Art Gallery staff who assisted in the acquisition of the art works, known as the Manawatu Art Collection.

Today, the Te Manawa Art Society membership numbers continue to grow, and its work is supported by a team of committed volunteers. The Society continues to acquire works to add to the Manawatu Art Collection and maintains oversight of the care and protection of the art works which are now in the custody of the Te Manawa Museums Trust, and continue to be displayed in the Art Gallery, 326 Main Street, Palmerston North.

The Te Manawa Art Society is a registered charity (CC22229) and enquiries are invited from anyone keen to join our membership, and/or to support our art acquisition programme through sponsorship, donation, or bequest.

Vision + Purpose

The Te Manawa Art Society is governed by its Constitution. The Society considers its purpose to be guardianship and development of the Manawatu Art Collection, while fostering relationships with the wider community for the enjoyment of the visual arts. The Te Manawa Art Society has set the following strategic priorities
  • Protect and Grow the Manawatu Art Collection.
  • Grow and engage with Art Society membership.
  • Engage with the Community.
  • Ensure good governance and stewardship.

Our History

Te Manawa Art Society, established as the Palmerston North Art Gallery Society in 1959, has over the years built up one of the most valuable and representative collections of contemporary New Zealand art in any provincial gallery in the country. This collection is now known as the Manawatu Art Collection.

In 1977 the Society raised funds to build the present Gallery, which it managed until 1994, when it became part of Te Manawa Museums Trust. Te Manawa Art Society continues to own, add to and assist in displaying its part of the permanent collection, which is housed and curated by Te Manawa.

In the Te Manawa shop you can buy cards of works from the collection. The publication Collectively Speaking celebrates the Society’s 50th anniversary, lists the entire collection, depicts 50 of the works in it, and tells the story of the Art Society and Gallery.
Art works from the Manawatu Art Collection are regularly displayed in the Art Gallery, and are loaned to galleries within New Zealand and overseas, to be part of exhibitions on display elsewhere.

In 2020, the Te Manawa Art Society embarked on a new programme of development with the aim of improving the access of the Manawatu Art Collection for the people of Palmerston North and the wider region.

The Manawau Art Collection includes significant works by many New Zealand artists, including among many others the work of Colin McCahon, Anne Verdcourt, Pat Hanly, Frances Hodgkins, A Lois White, Robin White, Don Binney, Robyn Kahukiwa. Recent acquisitions include works of Anton Parsons

Awards And Recognitions

In 2021 the Manawatu Art Gallery was awarded an Enduring Architecture Award, by the New Zealand Institute of Architects. It recognized the work of David Taylor, Architect, who designed and oversaw the building of the gallery which was completed in 1977.

Contact us today if you have any queries or want to be part of the The Manawatu Arts Society.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Find Answers to
Common Questions

Can I see the collection online?

Yes, the entire Collection has been digitized and is available to view online. Please click here to view.

How do I make a monetary donation?

The Te Manawa Art Society welcomes donations from members and the public. Donations may be made online here, or by internet banking to Te Manawa Art Society 02-727-0033153-00. If you use internet banking be sure to email us on [email protected] with your contact details so that we send a receipt to you. Te Manawa Art Society is a registered charity (CC2229) and all donations are eligible for a tax credit.

Can I sponsor a major event or acquisition?

Te Manawa Art Society welcomes sponsorship to hold key events and acquire new art works. Please contact us directly at [email protected] to register your interest and discuss sponsorship opportunities. We would love to hear from you.

How to make a bequest to the Te Manawa Arts Society?
Te Manawa Art Society encourage art lovers to consider a bequest to Te Manawa Art Society. In the first instance we ask that you discuss this with your family and legal advisors.
How can I gift an art work to the Manawatu Art Collection?
There is opportunity to discuss gift of artworks at any time, and the Te Manawa Art Society would welcome any approach in this regard, particularly in respect of the work of contemporary New Zealand artists. Te Manawa Art Society and the Te Manawa Museum Trust who are the custodians of the Manawatu Art Collection would work together to review any gift offered before acceptance. If you are interested in gifting an artwork to Te Manawa Art Society, please contact us directly at [email protected].