DPAGS history
The collection of the Dunedin Public Art Gallery is made up of over 1,600 works that were either gifted by the Society, when the DCC took over the running of the art gallery, or purchased subsequently using funds generated by the Society.
The collection is of national importance and the Society is proud of its legacy and on going support of the collection.
1869
Efforts begin to establish a gallery, lead by William Matthew Hodgkins
1870
In January, the Society of Artists was formed, the first in New Zealand.
1884
In October, the Dunedin Public Art Gallery was founded by the Otago Art Society in the Maritime Hall at the Otago Museum with just a few paintings.
1886
In November, 168 works received for the first exhibition.
1888 – 1890
The collection was based in the Municipal chambers in the Octagon (7 oils, 6 watercolours and reproductions of old masters)
1890
The Dunedin Public Art Gallery Society was formed at a public meeting with the aim of acquiring and purchasing works from New Zealand and South Seas exhibition and to establish a permanent space.
A group of Trustees raised funds in conjunction with the Otago Art Society. In November, funds were raised to buy new works and build a new gallery next to the museum. Works were placed with those from the Otago Art Society.
1906
In September, the trustees became the incorporated Dunedin Public Art Gallery Society.
1907
The collection was moved to a purpose built building now housing Toitū, the Otago Early Settlers Museum.
1922
In May, the Otago Art Society and the DPAG Society merged and registered with the Dunedin City Council.
1924
In September, the gallery and the collection was given to the city in return for regular funding of 300 pounds. The DPAG Society (which incorporated the Otago Art Society) still purchased works and raised funds.
1927
The Gallery moved to a building at Logan Park. This was bought after the New Zealand and South Seas International Exhibition at Logan Park by the Sargoods in memory of their son killed at Gallipoli.
1930
In July, the Otago Art Society which had amalgamated with the DPAG Society became a separate society with a focus on local artists. The DPAG society came to run the gallery.
1930 – 1960
Most of the works collected were of European origin.
1967
The Theomin Gallery known as Olveston was gifted to the city to be administered by the DPAG Society.
The society receives a substantial bequest from Dr Northcroft.
1975
A new constitution was adopted. The Society was to continue operating the gallery, continue to acquire works, as well as manage Olveston.
1989
In April, the Dunedin City Council took full responsibility for the management and control of the Dunedin Public Art Gallery. The DPAG Society retained the management of it’s own funds.
1995
In July, the gallery was relocated from Logan Park to the Octagon, in the former DIC store that had closed in 1991. The Society helped to raise funds for the renovation of new premises.
2021
Sightlines, a monthly radio show on the visual arts was through Otago Access Radio.
2022
Coffee morning speakers every third Wednesday each month.
2022
We celebrate 100 years since the Society was formally registered (with the Otago Art Society incorporated). Our 100th AGM will be held on September 13 with Peter Stuples the guest speaker.
The Society offers these events to members (free) and the public ($5.00) The topics are wide ranging and stimulating with prominent Dunedin citizens from different fields as guest speakers.
The Society continues to provide funds for thousands of works of art in the permanent collection. Recent art bought from Society funds include:
Robin White: Harbour Cone (with funds from other sources)
Other significant Society funded Robin White works include:
Fortress house, Southland Monkey Puzzle and Sam Hunt at the Portobello Pub
Imogen Taylor: Another Word for Abyss
Ralph Hotere: Red Square four
Other significant Society funded Hotere works include: Black Painting Human Rights Series, Window in Spain, Night Window Careys Bay, Aramoana Landscape III.
Shane Cotton: The Haymakers Series I-V
Works have been funded by the Society from following major New Zealand artists:
Judy Millar
Bill Culbert
Seraphine Pick
Kathryn Madill
Anne Noble
John Reynolds
Mark Braunias
Lawrence Aberhart
Saskia Leek
Gavin Hipkins
Michael Harrison
Jason Greig
Peter Robinson
Jeffrey Harris
Francis Hodgkins
Reuben Paterson
Graeme Sydney
Richard Killeen
Rita Angus
Lois White
Marilynn Webb
Gretchen Albrecht
Michael Parakowhai
Gordon Walters
Fiona Pardington