The Govett-Brewster's fortieth pARTy is only a few sleeps away!

We are hoping for a beautiful, sunny and windless New Plymouth day but if the weather gods have different ideas, the TSB Showplace – just a short walk away on Devon Street – has been confirmed as the extreme wet-weather venue.

Here is a rundown of events for the Govett-Brewster hits 40 pARTy:

Arts Foundation Laureate and Bro?Town creator, Oscar Kightley, will MC the event that will feature innovative musical and visual performances from Pitch Black, Tim Gruchy, The Trons and more.

Closed for the day, the Gallery opens at 5.00pm for the first showing of John Reynolds’ exhibition NOMADOLOGY [Loitering with Intent] and a dramatic performance of Len Lye?s ferociously beautiful kinetic sculpture Trilogy (A Flip and Two Twisters) 1977.

Contemporary kapa haka performances begin on the outdoor stage at 6.30pm on Queen Street, which will be especially transformed for the night.

Self-playing robotic junk band, The Trons, will take the stage at 7.45pm for half an hour of mechanical mayhem. This will be preluded by a ‘Robot Rock Stars’ dress-up competition for children, with great prizes for the best costumes.

As night falls, the Gallery will be turned inside out with a large-scale projection and accompanying soundscape by video and installation artist Tim Gruchy. This will be followed by pioneering electronic music duo Pitch Black and a set from local DJ The General, who will perform against a stunning visual backdrop until the close of the event at 10.30pm.

We would like to acknowledge the following sponsors for their generous support: Friends of the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery, the Govett-Brewster Foundation, TSB Community trust, Radio Network Taranaki, Te Kairanga Wines and Atawhai Nursery – Idea Services.