‘‘Outstanding'' contributions to arts, culture and heritage have earned Gore District Council head of arts and heritage Jim Geddes a top national individual achievement award for museum excellence.
The award was announced at the Museum Aotearoa inaugural gala awards, held in Dunedin last night.
Judging panelist Jenny Gibbs said Mr Geddes, in founding the Hokonui Heritage Centre, the Eastern Southland Gallery, development of the Croydon Aviation Museum, and expanding Gore's Historical Museum, had made outstanding contributions in ‘‘putting Gore on the national cultural map''.
Mr Geddes had also acquired important additions to the Eastern Southland Gallery's collection, including art given by Ralph Hotere and Dr John Money, she said.
‘‘His dynamic leadership built a strong sense of community heritage and a dedicated force of volunteers committed to saving and sharing the special stories of Gore,'' she said.
Associate Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage Judith Tizard also presented awards to Christchurch Art Gallery and Pearson and Associates Architects of Auckland (innovation) and Whanganui Regional Museum for exhibition and visitor achievement.
Museums Aotearoa is an independent professional organisation which includes museums, public art galleries, historical societies, science centres and people who work at these institutions.
