Promoting New Zealand Art

Nicholas is particularly interested in the arts of indigenous people, especially in the Pacific. One of the directions he would, personally like The Centre to take in the future is to express and promote the multicultural nature of NZ. He feels that NZ art should reflect NZ's total history not just the colonial aspect. NZ arts should reflect its Maori background. He sees The Centre as having the potential to explore this often neglected area. At the moment the artists at The Centre do not reflect any cultural diversity. There are no Maori or Polynesian artists on the scheme.

Colin McColl The Centre's Artistic Director, has had a varied and interesting background. His large experience in the field of Community Art has been a big plus for The Centre. After spending a year at drama school and a few years working, McColl left NZ for the greener theatrical pastures of England. His four year stay in England included working in children's theatre, television and films (as well as working in pubs and dishwashing).

In 1972 he returned home to NZ, working for 5 years at Downstage, initially as a stage manager and then as an associate director. He was mainly involved in education and community work. In 1978 he once again left NZ, this time for Australia.