The Arts Foundation of New Zealand has announced that well-known Auckland philanthropist Jenny Gibbs is the 2007 recipient of the Arts Foundation of New Zealand's Award for Patronage, Presented by Webb's - Fine Art Auctioneers.

The Arts Foundation of New Zealand has announced that well-known Auckland philanthropist Jenny Gibbs is the 2007 recipient of the Arts Foundation of New Zealand's Award for Patronage, Presented by Webb's - Fine Art Auctioneers. "Being involved with artists of all sorts keeps one entertained, but also constantly challenged," said Gibbs. "You have to retain an open and questioning and tolerant mind. I love it!"

"We are very proud to honour Jenny Gibbs, one of this country's most generous arts leaders," said Ros Burdon, Chair of the Arts Foundation of New Zealand. "Jenny's contribution has been outstanding. She has helped many institutions and individuals to achieve their goals, both with financial help and by giving her time and expertise." "There are many people supporting sport in this sports-mad country," said Jenny Gibb, "and also many organisations raising funds for social and medical causes (including myself), so the arts are often the overlooked poor relation. I believe it is as important to address poverty of spirit and culture as it is to address other forms of poverty. There is also a totally selfish reason - its fun!"

To demonstrate patronage in action, the Arts Foundation gave Jenny $20,000 to distribute to artists or charitable causes of her choice. With the same generosity as the inaugural recipients Denis and Verna Adam, Jenny has chosen to match this amount, meaning that $40,000 was distributed to the arts community. Jenny donated $10,000 each to Gretchen Albrecht, ARTSPACE, Auckland Writers and Readers Festival, and The New Zealand Opera School. The 2007 Award ceremony took place at the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki on Tuesday 8 May, with a prestigious gathering of some of New Zealand's most generous arts supporters.

Image: Arts patron Jenny Gibbs, photo by Marti Friedlander.