CSA : The radical the reactionary and the Canterbury Society of Arts 1880-1996

Explore the captivating history of the Canterbury Society of Arts (CSA) in 'CSA: The Radical, the Reactionary and the Canterbury Society of Arts 1880-1996' by Warren Feeney, published by Canterbury University Press. This illuminating book delves into how the CSA played an instrumental role in shaping New Zealand's cultural landscape over nearly a century. Contrary to common perceptions of art societies as conservative institutions, the CSA emerges as a progressive force nurturing artistic talent in New Zealand. Established in 1880 by visionary European settlers, the CSA quickly became a cornerstone of the local arts scene, fostering revolutionary and avant-garde artists. Spanning 224 pages, this engaging narrative highlights the significant contributions of renowned artists such as Colin McCahon, Frances Hodgkins, and Margaret Stoddart, among others. Readers will discover the CSA’s journey through challenges, controversies, and transformations that solidified Christchurch’s status as New Zealand’s artistic capital during the 20th century. Ideal for art lovers, historians, and those interested in New Zealand's cultural heritage, this book provides a fresh perspective on the evolution of arts in Canterbury. Delve into the rich history of the CSA and appreciate its legacy that still resonates today. Perfect for your personal collection or as a thoughtful gift for art enthusiasts, this book is a must-read for anyone passionate about the vibrant tapestry of New Zealand's art scene.

Author: Warren Feeney Publisher: Canterbury University Press


Pages: 224
Publication Date: 01-10-2011

The Canterbury Society of Arts domin-ated the cultural life of Canterbury for nearly a century, and played a vital role in the development of New Zealand art. Whereas art societies are often assumed to be conservative and reactionary institutions that failed to nurture the work of younger or more radical artists, this fascinating and entertaining history reveals a different story. The CSA was formed in 1880 by Euro-pean settlers resolute in their vision to nurture serious New Zealand artistic talent. From the start, the institution emerged as a vital and sometimes uncompromisingly progressive arts organisation that had, over its life, a total of 2259 working members. For almost 100 years the CSA provided valued support for the arts, exhibiting the early work of generations of leading New Zealand artists, including Petrus van der Velden, Raymond McIntyre, Margaret Stoddart, Rhona Haszard, Frances Hodgkins, W. A. Sutton, Colin McCahon, Michael Smither, Neil Dawson, Andrew Drummond and Pauline Rhodes. Directors and committees came and went, numerous obstacles and controversies were encountered, yet the CSA secured Christchurch’s reputation as the artistic capital of New Zealand in the middle years of the 20th century. CSA: The Radical, the Reactionary and the Canterbury Society of Arts 1800-1996 invites readers to reconsider the history of the arts in New Zealand.