The Vivian Gallery in Matakana has unfortunately closed its doors for good, after being hit hard by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Director Scott Lawrie - Photo The Vivian

“Naturally, it’s been a tough call and I know some of you will share our sadness at saying goodbye to our beautiful gallery space. But with all shows being cancelled due to COVID-19, the art fairs being postponed, and with no visitors allowed – we literally had nothing to show in an empty gallery. And so the gallery spaces and the grounds will remain closed.” Gallery director Scott Lawrie has said on the Vivian Facebook page.

The Vivian lives on digitally at https://www.thevivian.co.nz/, but they are also planning on focusing on a new business model to try and revive the gallery in a physical space in the next year or so. 

The gallery was a space to get people together and to talk about art, whether it was local or international artists, and it is a space in the community that will be sorely missed.

As Scott has said, “ultimately, it’s the artists who make a gallery. Now more than ever before, they need your support. Keep your acquisitions going. And keep supporting the arts in any way you can.”