Before 1951, a group of Invercargill residents, members of the Southland University Association, began collecting art for the city. They managed and displayed the collection at various venues. In 1951, when Victoria Park was gifted to Invercargill by the children of Sir Robert and Lady Elizabeth Anderson, the Invercargill City Council saw it as the perfect home for the growing collection, leading to the formation of the Invercargill Public Art Gallery Society.

The Gallery has always had a close relationship with the City Council, with the first President being Mr. B.W. Hewat, the then-mayor. Since 1954, the Council has provided financial support for the Gallery’s management and building upkeep. While the Gallery operates independently as an incorporated society, its bond with the Council has remained strong. In 1971, the Society's name was changed to Anderson Park Art Gallery Inc. to honor the significance of Anderson House to the Gallery's establishment.

For many years, volunteers managed the Gallery until John Husband, a respected artist with works in the collection, was appointed part-time director in 1977. He held the role for 34 years. Helen Nicoll, the first full-time attendant in 1987, eventually became Manager/Curator and retired in May 2013. Stephen Davies succeeded her in July 2013, guiding the Gallery through its move from Anderson House to 5 Don Street. He resigned in October 2016, passing the Manager/Curator role to his Assistant Manager, Sarah Brown.

In 2016, the Society voted to revert the name Anderson Park Art Gallery Inc. back to Invercargill Public Art Gallery Inc., reflecting the Gallery’s mission and its connection to the Invercargill community and visitors.

Current Members of the Gallery Board 2024/25

Chair: Lynley Irvine

Vice-chair: David Kennedy

Secretary: Bex Pilley

Treasurer: Graham Fletcher

Council:

• Graham Lewis
• Sarah Templer

Representing Invercargill City Council:

• Cr Lesley Soper
• Cr Trish Boyle
• Cr Steve Broad