Image credit: Wongi Wilson, Boxed Quarter, cnr St Asaph and Madras St, (2017), wall murals.
Christchurch in the rebuild offers many opportunities to contribute to the identity of our city.
In particular the use of high quality public art in publicly accessible spaces can offer an ongoing legacy of connection to place and people.
Private developers, building owners and tenants have an important role in improving and highlighting the inherent strengths and characteristics of the areas they develop, own and occupy. Enabling artists to work with design teams can add significant value to a project in identifying and reflecting local character and narratives.
Council, as a kaitiaki or guardian of artistic and cultural heritage, supports diverse well-considered public art as a key opportunity for developments to provide a point of difference to existing or potential employers, investors, residents and tenants and contribute to cultural and economic activity in the city.
Public art has been used for centuries to enrich city environments, attract, create landmarks, enliven and entertain and to create character and desirability. The contributions developers and businesses make today support a full and vibrant city that celebrates our artistic excellence now and into the future.
“Graham Bennett’s sculpture at [the] centre [of the plaza] reflects our city now and the growing importance we place on public artwork.” – John Ryder (Duncan Cotterill Plaza)
If you would like to discuss how your development can commission an artwork contact a community Arts Advisor or call 03 941 8999 and ask to speak to a Public Art Advisor. Or check out our Public Art resource guide.