Since its establishment in 1974, the Chartwell Trust has championed the importance of creative visual thinking, shaping an expansive collection of contemporary art and an enduring programme of philanthropic and education support. Its work is driven by a commitment to explore the role creative thinking and making plays in our lives and its potential to create positive change. This exhibition of archival material from the Chartwell Collection Trust and Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki celebrates 50 years of their visionary activity.

The Chartwell Collection was initially developed as a loan collection with the Waikato Museum of Art and History, with the first work acquired in 1974. In 1982 Chartwell established the Centre for Contemporary Art (CFCA) in Hamilton, which, in addition to housing the Collection, provided an alternative art space committed to growing an audience for contemporary art, staging 134 exhibitions until its closure in 1994. Since 1997, the Collection has been on long-term loan to Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki.

Now comprising over 2100 artworks by contemporary artists from New Zealand, Australia, the broader Pacific region and beyond, the Chartwell Collection is among the most significant in New Zealand and has been exhibited nationally and internationally. As part of Chartwell’s 50th Anniversary programme from 2024–25, Auckland Art Gallery facilitated the loan and display of 107 artworks from the Collection to galleries across the country and published a substantial book illustrating 150 works. This archival display highlights the richness and variety of the Collection while celebrating its core philosophy: to be a dynamic and accessible creative resource for everyone to enjoy.

Curated by Megan Shaw, Philippa Robinson, Freya Elmer