The Govett-Brewster Art Gallery and Govett Quilliam, The Lawyers, are to enter into a three-year partnership to support the development of the Gallery. Support will initially be focussed on the Gallery's groundbreaking Monica Brewster Club.

The partnership will enable leading national and international art, cultural and business identities to come to New Plymouth to entertain, educate, and enlighten audiences at the monthly meetings of the Monica Brewster Club.

"The Gallery is an icon with a growing national and international reputation" said Govett Quilliam Senior Partner John Eagles.

"The partnership is a great opportunity for Govett Quilliam to support a wonderful initiative in the New Plymouth community, and to work closely with the Govett-Brewster to enable key figures to come to New Plymouth".

Govett-Brewster Art Gallery Director Greg Burke is similarly enthusiastic about the partnership.

"For the Gallery to enter into a partnership for the Monica Brewster Club with a key member of the local business community such as Govett Quilliam ensures that the Monica Brewster Club can continue to grow, and maintain its position as one of the most celebrated public event series in any New Zealand public art gallery" said Burke.

Mr Burke described Govett Quilliam as an ideal partner. "Our association with Govett Quilliam goes right back to the opening of the Gallery in 1970 and the new partnership builds on a history of support".

The partnership inaugurates the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery's Visionary Partners Programme, a new initiative that enables businesses to support the development of key Gallery annual programmes.

In addition to launching the partnership, the partners are pleased to announce that the first speaker for the Club's 2003 season is Dame Cheryll Sotheran, former CEO of Te Papa, and a former Director of the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery. Recently appointed to the position of Director, Creative Industries at Industry New Zealand, Dame Cheryll will discuss her new role. Dame Cheryll will address the Club on 25 February at 6pm and speak on the significance of Len Lye.

Further speakers announced are Wanganui based art collector and photographic dealer Dr Paul McNamara, former Taranaki artist Christine Hellyar, and award winning architect Noel Lane.

Established in 1999 to mark the unique spirit of the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery's founding patron Monica Brewster (nee Govett), the Monica Brewster Club has seen over 30 leading figures from the New Zealand and international creative communities address New Plymouth audiences. Occurring on the last Tuesday of each month in the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery Theatre, the Club has gained recognition as being one of the premiere art event series in the country. From this base, the Club looks set to become even more successful as a result of the visionary partnership between Govett Quilliam and the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery.

For further information contact:

Greg Burke,       
Director, Govett-Brewster Art Gallery
06-759-5149

John Eagles
Senior Partner, Govett Quilliam, The Lawyers
06-758-0884