About The Quarry Arts Centre
Nestled into the bush clad Western Hills Drive is a little piece of paradise, a haven nurturing the creative spirit know as The Quarry Art Centre.
Open to the public 7 days a week, The Quarry Arts Centre (TQAC) and Yvonne Rust Gallery is only 5 minutes walk to the city but you feel as though your miles away. As well as public being able to wander around and see what our resident artists are up to, we run a variety of courses throughout the year for adults and kids.
There is a co-op shop to purchase quality arts and crafts at affordable prices and a coffee shop on site. We sell art supplies(including clay) in the NCT office from Mon- Fri. TQAC is the perfect place to come and get away from the hustle and bustle and get some artistic inspiration while you’re here.
History
The Northland Craft Trust was formed in 1982. The Quarry (previously Waldron’s Quarry) was purchased with grants from the Whangarei District Council and the Dept of Internal Affairs. At an age when most people are thinking of retirement, Yvonne Rust, local artist, potter and teacher who had long nursed the vision of an arts centre where Northland artists could explore and develop the use of local materials in an appropriate environment, began her development programme for the bare, overgrown site.
Mission, Vision and Core Values
The Mission
“Nurturing the Creative Spirit of Northland”
Whakatupua Te Puna Waihanga O Te Tai Tokerau
The Vision
The Quarry is a vibrant, creative venue where people can find inspiration, learning and just be.
Core Values
- Integrity
- Sustainability
- Welcoming
- Creative
- Continuity
Redevelopment Plans
TQAC held a public meeting in Whangarei in 2008 to find out what the community saw as important in the future redevelopment plans for the site. The meeting was set up as an inclusive workshop which set goals and objectives.
Read more from: Redevelopment Plans