N.Z. ARTISTS

Hokitika Guardian, 2 September 1930, Page 7

N.Z. ARTISTS

an academy proposed. : ‘ WELLINGTON, August 30Thfe announcement was made at the annual meeting <rf the New Zealand Academy' of Fine Arts that a conference of delegates from all Art Societies in the Dominion would be held ,at Wellington during the annual exhibition in October. The,, Chairman (Colonel A., D. Carbery) 'said it was proposed that two delegates from each of the othei societies (including Nelson and Wanganui) .should meet in Wellington primarily to discuss conceited action with* regard to the dates of shows.

Mr F. Alexander said the conference might discuss the institution of a Royal New Zealand Academy. He was sure that the ereatio nof Royal Academicians, with letters after their names, would give New Zealand art ists a better standing. There were quite a dozen artists in the Dominion who would hold their footing any where in the world. Colonel Carbery said that for three years or more, the setting up of" a New Zealand Academy had been considered by the Council of the Society, into which would be admitted a small select number of artists and architects as a nucleus of what is desired “If we could attain the title “Royal, M we would be fortunate, but it would more likely be a sooiety of artists, ns is the case in-New South Wales and America. Ido not know whether the suggestion could go before- the conference until further considered by the Council. The election would bo a difficult matter. Members would have to be well qualified, native born, domiciled and trained in the country, and whole time artists. The proposal has been received in luke-warm manner, though most of the members of the Council favoured such a scheme. I- cannot promise that the matter will come before the conference," unless there is a more definite pronouncement , from members of the Academy. .It was proposed by Mr Alexander that a meeting of the Academy be called to discuss the matter.—Carried.