New structure for Art Gallery announced

7 June 2006

A new Visitor Experience Team and project management function are key changes in the Christchurch Art Gallery’s new organisational structure to deliver the Gallery’s new Vision and the Paradigm Shift Plan.

Christchurch City Council General Manager Community Services Stephen McArthur announced the final decision to staff this morning, saying he was confident the new structure, which had received strong staff support, would foster a positive environment at the Gallery in which teamwork and creativity would flourish.

He said the realignment of the Gallery’s organisational structure had been vital to ensure the Gallery would deliver the Paradigm Shift Plan, the framework that will guide the Gallery in the next four years to achieve its (KPIs).

The Paradigm Shift Plan or Five-Year Strategic Plan is expected to be completed by the end of June.

The development of the new Visitor Experience Team will bring together the current exhibitions, curatorial, programmes and education teams. Mr McArthur said this team will play a key role in developing educational public programmes, exhibitions, events and publications that would drive the Council-endorsed KPI of 400,000 visitors by 2009-10.

The establishment of a project management function at management team level will ensure staff worked together more effectively to deliver the outcomes.

Four new positions have been created and two disestablished.

Under the new structure, the two community arts adviser positions transfer from the new Recreation and Sports Unit to the Art Gallery. “It is important to have the right resources in the right place,” he said.

“The Christchurch Art Gallery is entering an exciting next phase of development. We have a magnificent building, a significant collection that celebrates and preserves our legacy of artistic achievement and most importantly, a dedicated and professional staff and strongly supportive community.

“With the Paradigm Shift, there is a strong new Vision for the Gallery and with the new organisational realignment there is a new structure to support the Vision and the culture that will enable the Gallery to deliver the Paradigm Shift Plan.”

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