The Blumhardt Foundation
“The Blumhardt Foundation is the outcome of a long-held dream of mine - to ensure that New Zealand’s rich tradition of applied arts is celebrated, cherished and nourished. The Foundation aims to work with others to assemble and preserve rich collections of the very best examples and to build innovative programmes of engagement, education and participation around them” Dr Doreen Blumhardt (pictured right), ONZ, DCNZM, CBE
Established in 2004, The Blumhardt Foundation was set up to foster, support, collect and display the best examples of New Zealand decorative arts and design. It was founded by ceramicist and arts educator, Doreen Blumhardt, who has donated a significant section of her collection to to TheNewDowse’s permanent collection.
The Blumhardt Foundation, in partnership with TheNewDowse, has established The Blumhardt Gallery at TheNewDowse. This gallery will feature changing exhibitions of decorative arts and design. The Foundation has also played an instrumental role in fostering the work of people working in decorative arts by establishing an annual curatorial internship in conjunction with Creative New Zealand, based at TheNewDowse*.
The Blumhardt Foundation aims to support and foster decorative arts and designby -
• Building a great collection to preserve New Zealand’s decorative arts and designheritage
• Celebrating excellence through exhibition and publications
• Championing artists and makers and their professional development
• Stimulating interest in the decorative arts and design
• Providing engaging learning opportunities through workshops and demonstrations
On Doreen’s 93rd birthday in March 2007, TheNewDowse in conjunction with the Blumhardt Foundation officially opened the Blumhardt Gallery. This 1st floor gallery is dedicated to showcasing New Zealand’s decorative arts and design.
For more information:
http://www.blumhardt.org.nz/
2008 Curatorial Internship
The Blumhardt Curatorial Intern for 2008 is Reuben Friend.
* For more information on the Creative New Zealand Blumhardt Foundation curatorial internship or contact Claire Regnault 04 560 1474 or claire.regnault@huttcity.govt.nz