Godfather of the arts dies
Philanthropist Denis Adam changed the cultural landscape of New Zealand.
The arts godfather, who died on Wednesday at the age of 94, has left a legacy that can be seen in a thriving music and arts sector.
Denis and his wife Verna started to collect art in the 1960s. In 1975, they established the Adam Foundation to consolidate the ownership of this growing collection. The foundation’s activities later extended to support arts in general, with a focus on emerging artists.
Their biggest donation was $1 million to Victoria University to help build the Adam Art Gallery – Denis and Verna gave the principal sum to establish the gallery in 1998.
‘‘Denis has made an indelible contribution to the culture of Wellington across all arts – music, literature and visual arts. He has helped organisations and artists over many years and that has made a real difference in this city,’’ gallery director Tina Barton said.
She said Adam was a wonderful benefactor whose philanthropy came with no strings attached. ‘‘He was an open-minded and open-hearted person.’’
Wellington Mayor Justin Lester said Adam, who had been made a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) and a member of Order of the British Empire (OBE), would be remembered as a ‘‘pillar of the arts scene’’.
‘‘The sector we know today would be quite different without Denis and Verna’s contributions. Many well-known institutions and awards bear their name.’’
Recently they donated to the planned Te Ko¯kı¯ – the national centre of musical excellence, which will be based in Te Nga¯ kau Civic Square.
Former Dominion Post arts reporter Tom Cardy said the philanthropist’s love for the arts was evident when he visited an office Adam had on Lambton Quay in the early 2000s.
‘‘The office was nondescript but there were several works by New Zealand artists on the walls and a few stacked carefully in corners. A very small painting caught my eye. Over tea and biscuits, he explained it was a very early work by Colin McCahon.’’
Adam, of German Jewish ancestry, spent his early childhood in Germany before moving to Scotland.