It was a record year for the Tauranga Art Gallery, with 66,270 people perusing, admiring and reflecting upon 23 exhibitions during 2014-15 financial year.

The gallery smashed well surpassed its performance target of attracting 55,000 visitor through its doors, plus the target of staging 15 exhibitions during that same period.

The Tauranga Art Gallery. Photo: File

Of particular note, the Tauranga City Council controlled organisation also secured 24.5 per cent of its revenue from non-council sources, compared to a target of 20 per cent that was set.

This was achieved by attracting sponsorship, grants and donations, and revenue from events and exhibitions, while retail sales also increased.

Director Karl Chitham has put the gallery's success down to two major factors.

'We've over achieved in most areas over the 2014-15 financial year and it comes down to the gallery's amazing staff and the solid direction set by former director Penny Jackson,” explains Karl.

Karl took over directorship in July of this year and has thus far enjoyed the challenge of finding his feet at the gallery and in Tauranga.

He says there's been a big learning curve during this time, but it's been a smooth process aided by the gallery's staff who have been fantastic to work with.

'One satisfying thing about working here is getting to know a new community and city, and finding out what's exciting about the place that I have come to, particularly in terms of arts and culture.”

With the high turnover of quality exhibitions housed at the gallery, you would think it would be difficult for Karl to pick his favourite – and you'd be right, because he has three.

When Karl first arrived at the gallery he particularly enjoyed the exhibition by local artist Darcel Apelu, who also did a series of performance pieces alongside her installation work.

This was a real highlight for the gallery director because it drew a new audience into the gallery, particularly the Pacific audience.

'At the moment we also have the Talisman Project, which is another big sculptural installation and it's got an element to it where people can come in and make their own talisman.

'That's been really popular, particular with families, and people can either take their talisman with them or hang them on the wall. So we have an amazing installation of talismans made by visitors hanging on the wall too.”

Karl is also eagerly awaiting the upcoming exhibition Tungaru: The Kiribati Project, which will highlight what's happening in the Pacific, especially on the small atoll nation of Kiribati.

Another success for the gallery was exceeded the number of education programmes it runs for school children, with 8,694 visits surpassing the target of 6,000.

Another big accolade: the gallery was the only venue in New Zealand selected to show the Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition which featured over 100 photographs on loan from the Natural History Museum in London.

The Tauranga City Council is delighted with the gallery's performance and leadership, with Councillor Leanne Brown describing it as an 'exceptional year for this city asset”.

They will continue to exhibit the finest of art available with an emphasis on New Zealand, both historical and contemporary, says Leanne.

'The staff and management team can be credited for this ongoing success.

'We are looking forward to the year ahead as the gallery continues to connect art and people, create a sense of belonging and ownership of Tauranga's culture; and develop and maintain an art collection provided by artists with a connection to the Bay of Plenty,” adds Leanne.