Millennium Gallery, Blenheim
The Millennium Art Gallery Trust Marlborough and the Marlborough District Council engaged Giblin Group to undertake an independent feasibility study of its proposed new building project, a combined new Marlborough District Library and Art Gallery facility to be built as part of the Riverside Precinct revitalisation in Blenheim. The feasibility study related to the Millennium Public Art Gallery part of the project only.
The Millennium Public Art Gallery is currently housed in a converted former Council office building. The building has many shortcomings and is not up to the standards expected of a modern art gallery for the exhibition, care and preservation of its collection. The Art Gallery is unable to cater to current community needs due to limited space for both display and storage of the collection and touring exhibitions, and lack of accessibility due to location.
The project will see the Art Gallery upgraded to meet international exhibition requirements and also further enhance Marlborough’s growing reputation as an arts destination. It will address concerns such as inadequate storage space and conditions, inadequate staff working space, exhibition spaces including technical requirements, limited education facilities and disability access.
The Art Gallery will share its new facility with the Marlborough District Library, and it is hoped the architecturally designed building will become a community hub and heart of the town.
The Feasibility Study found that the Millennium Public Art Gallery’s relocation into the new purpose-built facility would provide many benefits for the region including providing a destination for locals and visitors alike. It was found to be feasible subject to the success of raising the necessary funding to fit-out the facility appropriately for the Art Gallery’s services and programmes.
Since 2011 I have worked with Jenni and Christine on a number of highly successful fundraising initiatives in support of the Sarjeant Gallery Redevelopment Project. With their help and expertise, we have raised more than $28.8m from central government and Lottery sources. The Giblin Group are a pleasure to work with and have provided great advice on many occasions concerning communications and public engagement. I can certainly recommend their services.
Giblin Group supported Blue Oyster with developing a robust Funding Strategy that took into account the specific needs of our organisation and activity. Jenni and Jess offered substantial advice and support in, not only establishing this strategy but giving us helpful tools for implementation and always prioritised sustainability throughout. Their enthusiasm for our space and activity was truly felt and appreciated – our relationship with them will be nourished and valued well into the future.
“As our thinking evolved, Giblin Group showed a steady commitment to deepen their understanding of our needs. We always looked forward to our coaching sessions which were stimulating and inspiring. Jess and Jenni became valued colleagues that supported and provoked thinking with rigour and generosity. They’re now not only valuable advocates for BATS but part of our whānau.”
“Jenni did a fantastic job in helping us to secure critical partnerships and funding support for our internationally significant Len Lye Centre project – what’s more we really enjoyed working with her.”
“Giblin Group’s knowledge of government practices and procedures on a national and local level is invaluable, and I often find that they are well connected with staff and officials on all levels of Government. Giblin Group scopes their assignments well, provides accurate cost estimates for their services, delivers within the agreed timeframes and always deliver excellent quality work – no project manager can really ask for more!”
“The work that the Giblin Group completed, in collaboration with our staff, was instrumental in the success the project has had in securing significant funding to this key City initiative. In particular we have found the experience of the Giblin Group to been invaluable in seeking funding from a variety of sources in an increasingly challenging environment.”