Pete Morris - Art Blogger
	Pete is an occasional painter and an art lover. He is a freelance writer with a particular interest in promoting the visual arts in Tauranga.

An interview with Penelope Jackson manager / curator of TAG.
PM is blogger Pete Morris.
PJ is Penelope Jackson.

Penelope Jackson manager / curator TAG.

PM Please tell me a little about your background before taking up your current position?

PJ My ambition was always to work in a public art gallery. I attended University of Canterbury as well as T. Coll followed by six years teaching. One of my teaching sections was at the Robert McDougall Art Gallery and I returned there as their Education Officer. For the last 14 years I've studied for various degrees and began working with the TAG project in 2003 as curator until taking on the role of manager / curator in 2010.

PM How do you see the role of a public art gallery in a modern progressive city?

PJ A public art gallery is integral to the fibre of any city. It brings in people from all walks of life and adds to the list of attractions that makes Tauranga an exciting place to live and for visitors. Without art, cities are bland places. I look at the thousands of people who visit TAG every year and realise that they are richer for having done so. We have to be diverse. People may be surprised at what they see in our gallery, but part of our role is to push boundaries, to expose viewers to different art-forms from New Zealand and abroad. For those who haven't or rarely visit our exhibitions, please come along regularly, enjoy and challenge yourself.

PM Does TAG support our 'local' art and artists?

PJ Since we opened, we have displayed the work of a substantial number of ‘local' artists. Many of the artists we have exhibited have strong local connections, but have had to leave the area to further their careers. In the last 12 months, of the 19 exhibitions nine have had local content. We show established artists whose work is celebrated regionally, nationally and internationally. Sometimes our role is confused with that of Creative Tauranga whose job it is to foster the work of emerging artists. They're part of a great support network that can help local artists further their potential. We are here for all artists to visit and hopefully they will be inspired and motivated by what they see. Our regular floor-talks are a great way for local artists to explore new ideas about art. It's just a matter of coming along.

PM How do you see TAG's future?

PJ TAG is a very special organisation. I'm lucky enough to have been here since the very early days. We have a very knowledgeable board of trustees who give their time freely. We have an exciting exhibitions programme ahead of us that will also include artists who have local connections. In addition to those who enrol in our education programmes, thousands of school children visit every year and in turn they will visit with their families – this is about building a foundation for the visual arts in Tauranga.

PM Thank you. More information about our art gallery can be found at www.artgallery.org.nz