Inside the art store

In the quiet depths of a building on the City Campus, at the end of a corridor bookended by secure double doors, is a space dedicated to rest.

And what rests here is art.

Last year, for the first time, a dedicated storage space was created for works from the University of Auckland Art Collection. The art store is a place where works can be ‘rested’, whether for digitising, condition recording, storage while being moved, or simply a break from display.

The collection is incredibly hard working, explains the University’s art collection adviser, Madeleine Gifford. At any time, around 90 percent of its more than 2,000 items are on display. It’s a situation that’s the reverse of most traditional institutions, like public art galleries, where the majority of works are in storage at any time. Additionally, the University’s works hang in ‘everyday’ spaces – from faculty reception areas to offices and lunchrooms – exposed to passersby and varying light and temperature conditions, rather than the rarified conditions of a conventional gallery.

An important feature of the art store, says Madeleine, is it has ample space, particularly to move works in and out. Some of the works, particularly sculptures, are huge, and tables on wheels allow working areas to flex and contract as required.

Another dominant feature is a series of more than 20 large racks that line the store’s back wall, which allow the works to be elevated and stored in a way that aligns with best practice. Fitted on runners, the racks can be moved by wheels, allowing ready access to the works and making it easier to curate them for various purposes and spaces around campus.

Racks also line much of the perimeter walls, offering more space to hang and view works – especially useful, says Madeleine, when hosting visiting artists, curators and student groups.

Previously, artworks were kept in a much smaller, non-purpose-built room at the General Library and across various other vacant spaces, explains Cultural Collections team leader Jacob Powell. Having them all in one space is much more efficient, he says, and allows conditions to be more controlled. Works are away from damaging sunlight, and lights on sensors allow them to dwell in darkness for much of the time.

“With this space, the works are able to be better cared for in a more art-friendly environment,” says Jacob. “When works have been out in the ‘wild’ for a while, we can bring them in here, and they can literally rest in a stable, dark environment away from the hustle and bustle of campus.”

– Caitlin Sykes

artcollection.auckland.ac.nz/