The New Zealand Government has approved nearly $2 million to safeguard works by the country’s leading 20th and 21st century decorative artists. The funds, announced by the Prime Minister and Arts, Culture and Heritage Minister Helen Clark, will support the redevelopment of The Dowse, a facility that will act as the national home of NZ ceramics, glass, wood, painting, drawings, photography, sculpture, jewellery and fibre artwork. 'The Dowse project involves the development of a purpose-built facility to house its nationally significant collection of decorative arts and design,' said Ms Clark. 'The development will extend and upgrade existing facilities and is a collaborative project, with funding from central government, local government, and the Dowse Foundation, through the Foundation’s community fundraising.' 'Exhibition spaces will be considerably improved, by an extension of approximately 60 per cent, and the development will allow for more flexible use of space, with a theatre, outdoor courtyard, function spaces, and expanded café.' The total project cost is $5.906 million. The $1.969 million commitment from central government is being matched by $1.969 million from local government, and the Dowse Foundation is raising the balance. For more information about The Dowse, visit www.dowse.org.nz For further information on the redevelopment funding, CLICK HERE.