As the Forrester Gallery reaches the stage of Oamaru-stone cladding, the community are being given the opportunity to sponsor one of the 2122 blocks being placed on the extension to match the white stone of the original Bank of New South Wales building.
Work on the Thames St gallery’s $7 million extension began in February and will include a lift to improve public access, a new exhibition space, an art collection storeroom and an education room.
Inside the building, the new stairs connecting the three floors of the gallery can also be sponsored, with names or a message.
The fundraiser was the brainchild of the Friends of the Forrester committee and Waitaki District Council arts, culture and libraries manager Chloe Searle.
Ms Searle said the fundraiser was also to provide an opportunity for community buy-in.
"I hope it raises funds to assist with fitting out the new spaces but I also hope it gives people with links to the gallery a chance to reflect those connections in the new building," she said.
Friends of the Forrester Gallery chair Heather Machin said the gallery, operating since 1983 in an 1884 historic building, is undergoing an extension to address the practical challenges of running a modern art gallery in a heritage structure.
The new spaces will open to the community in late April or early May 2026.
In 1965 John Megget Forrester died, aged 99. His generous bequest allowed the establishment of the Forrester Gallery.
Sixty years after his death his vision was being expanded upon, Ms Searle said.
"The generosity of John Megget Forrester provided us with the existing gallery and the efforts of the community and support from the government and trusts will soon see a doubling of our gallery space and a more accessible facility for our community."
"Block sponsorships" from $99 and "stair riser" sponsorship option prices (of $500, $650 and $800) were dependent on the floor location of the riser, Ms Searle said.
"It is great to see this support for fitting out the new spaces at the gallery."
A sponsor board inside the gallery will list all donors.
