Aratoi Wairarapa Museum of Art and History are thrilled to have won the Harcourt Hamill Realty Award Innovation award in this year’s Wairarapa Business Awards which was held at the Wairarapa Awards Garden Party at Rose & Smith, Tauherenikau on Tuesday 22 November.
Over 50 businesses were whittled down to create the finalists, with Aratoi placed in the Innovation category in a ceremony in October.
Director Sarah McClintock and Becky Bateman were there to pick up the award on the night.
New Director Sarah McClintock has only been in the role two months, so she thanked the previous Director Susanna Shadbolt and Aratoi staff for all their work over the last six years getting the museum to this point.
“…We are thrilled to win this year’s Harcourt Hamill Realty Award Innovation Award!” says Sarah, “The whole team has worked incredibly hard to create an innovative and sustainable museum over the last few years. We love trying out new ideas but understand that keeping in touch with our audience is crucial to our success and to ensure the museum stays accessible for all. We strive to be a positive role model within our community.
The category finalists were a terrific bunch of businesses so it must have been a difficult decision for the judges. We are delighted to with the award because it shows us that we are on the right track and that people are keen to see the museum change and improve…”
Judges were particularly impressed with Aratoi’s sustainability ethos, its work with the community and with its innovative programming.
McClintock is excited to keep pushing the boundaries as the 2023 exhibition schedule promises to be stimulating, varied and thoughtful. An interactive family exhibition over Winter around Matariki, many new local artist showcases, and the touring Rita Angus exhibition are just a few highlights coming up over the next year.