After three years as Director of Tauranga Art Gallery, Karl Chitham has resigned to take up a new position as Director Museums at Hutt City Council. Chitham will remain in his current position until December 21, before beginning his new role in the new year.
During his time as Director, Chitham has grown the Tauranga Art Gallery’s visitation to over 80,000 annually, reaching nearly 100,000 in the 2017/18 financial year when you include visitation to offsite exhibitions. The 2017/18 signature show, Art Loves You, generated over 40,000 visitors alone.
Chitham has extended The Gallery’s reach beyond its four walls by collaborating with other arts and cultural organisations, including the very popular The Rooms installation currently on show at The Elms historic mission house and library.
“Karl has made a very significant contribution to Tauranga Art Gallery; growing it’s visitation and furthering its reputation both locally and nationally. We will miss his expertise and passion, but his new role is a wonderful opportunity and we wish him the very best!” said Peter Anderson, the Chair of Tauranga Art Gallery Trust.
