The Foundation is actively involved in a range of unique art experiences aligned to our purpose, while giving our Members and Partners value added insights and experiences.

Projects & Events

Supporting the Gallery

The Foundation and its Members make a significant contribution to major projects at the Gallery, enabling the team to deliver bold, inspired and impactful works.

In 2022, the Foundation unveiled the first Ramp Project, a stunning site-specific installation by Shona Rapira Davies titled Ko Te Kihikihi Tāku Ingoa, in partnership with the Gallery and Pollen Foundation.

This work is the first of an ongoing series of major biennial art projects enabled by Foundation Members, made possible by their contributions and has been experienced by over 80,000 Gallery visitors, receiving a very positive response.

In Partnership with The Gallery and The Pollen Foundation:

Exhibition Previews

The Govett-Brewster Foundation hosts an inspiring programme of exhibition previews and tours both at the Govett-Brewster, and at leading galleries and institutions nationally and internationally.

Foundation Members and Partners are the first to see major new exhibitions and guided tours led by the curators, artists or the Gallery Director.

Acquiring Great Art

One of the core goals of the Foundation is to enable the Govett-Brewster to continue to acquire significant artworks for its permanent collection. That’s something we extend to our Members as well, with a range of opportunities throughout the year to explore private collections, hear from experts in areas of collecting and presenting art, and passionate collectors.

The Govett-Brewster Art Gallery is currently fundraising to acquire the major work from Brett Graham, Cease Tide of Wrong-doing. As the Gallery receives no public funds for the acquisition of art works, it is the role of the Foundation to enable this acquisition – one of the biggest in the Gallery’s history.

We also offer exclusive Foundation Editions – To date we have worked with artists Fiona Pardington, Octavia Cook, Francis Upritchard and Sarah Hughes to offer our Members the opportunity to acquire great works.

Brett Graham, Cease Tide of Wrong-Doing, Gallery 1, Govett-Brewster Art Gallery.

Exclusive Art Experiences

The Foundation is your key to unlocking a wide range of exclusive art experiences.

Our Membership comprises leaders and community-focused philanthropists across Aotearoa-New Zealand who all share a passion for contemporary art. Many of them have personal art collections which we are fortunate to view and celebrate through the Foundation’s Private Art and Home Experiences.

International Art & Food Tours

The Govett-Brewster Foundation is focused on connecting the world of inspiring art with extraordinary experiences. In keeping with this purpose, each year, the Foundation aims to host an international tour for Members.

These exclusive tours are curated to experience unique cultures and events, incredible cuisines and the opportunity to celebrate contemporary art across the world.

Left: One of three Francis Upritchard’s extraordinary, beautiful sculptures titled ‘Here Comes Everybody’ welcoming visitors at the Gallery of NSW.

Right: Foundation Members Terry Parkes, Ingrid Palm and Robert Angus enjoying Sydney Harbour

Foundation Awards

The Govett-Brewster Foundation Awards Dinners are one of the most anticipated events of the year, and an important opportunity to celebrate the contribution our Members & Partners have made to the Govett-Brewster Gallery | Len Lye Centre.

Initiated in 2020 to honour and celebrate outstanding contributions to the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery | Len Lye Centre over 50 years, these awards aim to build on the legacies of Founding Patron Monica Brewster, 1970, the Len Lye Collection Gift, 1980, Todd Energy and the Todd Family investment in the Len Lye Centre, 2015.

Past Foundation Award Winners