University of Auckland benefactors, Gus and Irene Fisher, are the recipients of the fifth annual Arts Foundation of New Zealand Award for Patronage. Presented by sponsor, Forsyth Barr, the award honours their significant contribution to the creative arts in New Zealand.

Gus Fisher’s philanthropy holds a significant connection for NICAI’s Centre for New Zealand Art Research and Discovery (CNZARD) at The University of Auckland. His enduring support of art and design, and his generosity contributed to the acquisition and refurbishment of one of his favourite buildings in Auckland, the former NZBC television studios, enabling the University to open its own gallery, the Gus Fisher Gallery, in 2001.

Prior to that time, no gallery existed at the University. “Gus & Irene Fisher’s generosity has meant that the University can now showcase some of the exciting research that is taking place in its art and architecture departments” says Linda Tyler, Director of CNZARD that administers the Gus Fisher Gallery.  “Housed in a beautiful facility with terrazzo floors, ornate plaster ceilings and a magnificent dome in the foyer, the Gus Fisher Gallery is a delight to work in.  I am always very proud to show staff, students, parents and other visitors around the gallery spaces.” 

Vice-Chancellor of The University of Auckland, Professor Stuart McCutcheon was amongst the first to congratulate Gus and Irene Fisher on their award.  “Gus and Rene have been wonderful supporters of the arts at the University and more widely. I am delighted to see their contribution acknowledged in this way. Generous benefactors like the Fishers enable this University to maintain its pre-eminence nationally.  Not only have they funded a gallery which allows us to showcase the arts, but they also provide vital support for research into Parkinson’s disease.  Philanthropists like this are richly deserving of recognition and our gratitude.”

Fittingly, the Arts Foundation of New Zealand Award was presented at the Gus Fisher Gallery.  A tribute exhibition for Gus Fisher, who is also well known as a pioneer of the New Zealand's fashion industry through his directorship of the House of El Jay for 50 years, has been curated by Doris de Pont and will open on 4 June at the Gus Fisher Gallery.

To celebrate the Award, the Arts Foundation has given Gus and Irene Fisher $20,000 to donate to artists or arts projects of their choosing. The Fishers have increased the amount with $30,000 of their own and have announced that they will make five donations of $10,000 each. The donation recipients are visual artist Andrew McLeod, fashion designers Beth Ellery and Emilia Wickstead, artist and composer Michael Smither, and posthumous recognition of painter Pat Hanly (1932-2004). Andrew, Michael and Beth are all alumni of the University; Andrew and Michael from Elam and Beth from the School of Architecture and Planning.

In 2005, Gus Fisher received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from The University of Auckland for his contribution to the development of academic programmes, the Fisher Parkinson's Fellowship, research and infrastructure at the University, and his key role in establishing the Kenneth Myers Centre.  Gus Fisher was also one of the founding donors to the Hood Fund, which enables leading academics from New Zealand and abroad to share their research knowledge.

More information about Gus and Irene, the Award and the donation recipients can be found at www.thearts.co.nz.

The University of Auckland’s National Institute of Creative Arts and Industries comprises the School of Architecture and Planning, Elam School of Fine Arts, the Centre for New Zealand Art Research and Discovery (CNZARD), the School of Music and the Dance Studies Programme.