Big dreams are made of this
Words Emily Pattullo
More than just an arts hub, Foundation Gallery in Leigh has a culture-conscious, community minded visionary at its helm, Hillary Austin.
Foundation Gallery & Arts Hub opened its doors in December 2019, shortly before Covid arrived. Having owned a gallery in Australia, Hillary was adamant she wanted the same in New Zealand and her plan was to provide classes for adults whilst working on and exhibiting her own art. What actually came about was a surprise even to her. Teaching ‘Barefoots’ soon became the focus,
both through providing workshops and classes, as well as designing the set for the production of ‘Celia Seagull and the Plastic Sea' at Leigh School. “Art classes bring communities together – they are a forum for connectivity, and that’s where the Barefoot Artists began, it grew out of relationships with children,” says Hillary. “Art has such a broad variety; it can cover things like engineering, science and maths, which gives inspiration in lots of areas.”
The ‘Barefoots’ were named due to the sound of the children’s bare feet slapping on the floor as they ran enthusiastically into Hillary’s classes, and the painted water tank outside the gallery was the first expression of what the Barefoots can do, because, as Hillary says, “If you’re going to live somewhere, make it better than it was when you arrived.”
Other projects have since materialised through Hillary’s constant ideas and visions for community and art – such as the ‘Snugleigh scarf’, currently at 345 metres in length with the aim to make it long enough to wrap around the services block, which includes the school, hall, and fire station. A
collective effort, the scarf is being knitted by various committed locals who meet regularly to click-clack and have a chat. “It represents culture and community, warmth and sheep!” says Hillary who wants to eventually use it to make a sculpture for Te Papa.
The recently-opened Collective, a shop for local artists and creatives to sell their wares, is also the brainchild of Hillary. It’s another opportunity to bring the community together, because “what unites doesn’t divide”.
Hillary’s newest vision reaches far beyond Leigh but starts with her enthusiasm for teaching children; a ‘Barefoot Biennale’. Every two years the world’s best artists exhibit on the international platform of La Biennale di Venezia, and Hillary, not one to shy away from big dreams, has aspirations to give children a similar platform on which to showcase their work. She is looking for private funders to enable this and other projects to be realised. “What are we without creativity?” asks Hillary. “Art is like the last bastion, and a chance to leave a legacy in the world. Once you have your big house, car, career, what’s left to achieve? Projects like this enable you to leave your mark and really make a difference.”
Meanwhile, after three-and-a-half years, Hillary finally intends to return her attention to her own painting, as well as focussing on those who are as enthusiastic about all aspects of art as she is.
This Anzac Day (25 April), another impressive poppy-inspired installation will manifest outside the gallery, incorporating red chairs and some clever equipoise. So pop along and be inspired by the ever-changing displays at Foundation Gallery & Arts Hub.
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