Mission
Whangārei Art Museum is a space for connection, creativity, and community. Through exhibitions, public programmes, and partnerships, we bring people and art together to explore ideas, celebrate cultural identity, and inspire new ways of seeing the world.
As the northernmost public art gallery in Aotearoa, we honour the unique cultural and environmental landscape of Te Tai Tokerau. We are committed to showcasing contemporary and historical art from Aotearoa and beyond, with a focus on artists whose work engages meaningfully with place, history, and the present moment.
Our mission is to honour the past, engage the present, and inspire the future. We support artists to take risks and experiment, and we create inclusive, accessible experiences that invite all communities to participate in creative dialogue. We see art as a powerful tool for connection: between people, across generations, and within the wider world.
Guided by the Whangārei Art Trust’s values of sustainability, collaboration, and care, we strive to operate responsibly, partner meaningfully, and grow a thriving, resilient arts ecosystem. Our work contributes to the social, cultural, and economic life of Whangārei, making the museum a vital civic space for all who call this place home, and for those who visit.