Philanthropy Fuels Aotearoa’s Cultural Landscape with Major Art Commission

In a significant development for Aotearoa’s art scene, The Dowse Foundation recently announced a landmark art commission worth $100,000. This funding will support a bespoke work by renowned artist Shane Cotton (Ngāpuhi), adding to the collection of The Dowse Art Museum in Lower Hutt. As public arts funding faces increasing scrutiny, this initiative exemplifies how philanthropy is shaping the cultural legacy of the nation.

The Dowse Foundation, established in 2003 to promote visual arts in Aotearoa, aims to bridge the gap between institutional aspirations and limited acquisition budgets. The recent commission demonstrates the power of community involvement, philanthropy, and artistic vision coming together to create something enduring for public appreciation.

Karl Chitham, director of The Dowse, emphasized the importance of this commission, stating, “This commission brings an important voice into the collection — one that connects the national art story with our local whakapapa.” The collaboration highlights the value of collecting works that are deeply rooted in place while also being expansive in vision.

Cotton’s artistic practice merges Māori and European traditions, exploring themes of identity, spirituality, and cultural memory. His new painting will delve into the concept of whakapapa, reflecting stories that are passed down through generations. Central to this narrative are the figures of Whātonga, a legendary Māori navigator, and his son Tara, who lends his name to Wellington Harbour. Their experiences of travel and displacement resonate with the journeys of many Māori families seeking new opportunities across the country.

This commission not only marks a milestone for Cotton but also reinforces the continuity of Māori creative practice, acknowledging both resistance and renewal in the face of historical challenges.

The Dowse Foundation’s major art commission programme invites patrons and donors to contribute towards ambitious works that public funding alone could not secure. In this sense, philanthropy becomes an act of democratic participation. It empowers communities to decide what narratives and images are represented in their public institutions, ensuring art remains accessible for future generations.

The foundation emphasizes that its mission transcends monetary support; it is about fostering community investment in cultural narratives. The art commissioned through these efforts will reflect the identity and history of the community it represents.

The first major commission awarded by The Dowse Foundation in 2021 was a suite of works by Fiona Pardington (Kāi Tahu, Kāti Māmoe, Ngāti Kahungunu, Clan Cameron). Pardington is set to represent Aotearoa at the upcoming Venice Biennale in 2026, further showcasing the potential of philanthropic support for the arts in the region.

Through initiatives like these, The Dowse Foundation is not just preserving Aotearoa’s cultural legacy but actively shaping it, ensuring that the stories and artistic expressions of the community are cherished for generations to come.