Uptown’s “Magma” mural gains international recognition

During its 64th Annual Conference and Tradeshow in San Antonio, Texas, the International Downtown Association recognized Auckland’s Uptown Business Association with a Certificate of Merit Award for its “Magma” mural which was painted on the water tanks at the top of Mt Eden Road last year.

The mural which was designed by renowned New Zealand artist Sara Hughes and conceptualises the volcanic landscape of Auckland, was awarded a Certificate of Merit in the category of Public Space. This category features capital improvements that have enhanced the urban design, transportation methods, physical function, or economic viability of downtown and the community.

Uptown Business Association General Manager Gary Holmes, who was present in San Antonio to receive the award, was delighted that the project had received international recognition.

“The IDA Awards recognise the best of the best in urban place management so for Uptown to receive this award is fantastic news both for our artist Sara Hughes and for the mural itself which, as well as deterring graffiti and vandalism, has become an attraction for public use as a backdrop in wedding photos, fashion photo shoots, ‘selfies’ and even as the cover photo on a popular magazine.

“The Uptown Business Association project received the IDA Certificate of Merit for successfully employing best practice in urban place management,” said David Downey, IDA President and CEO. “The Magma Mural is a shining example of downtown management delivering real value to the city.”

The mural project was established to address the area’s lack of a community ‘heart’ and quality open public space, by commissioning a piece of artwork or mural, for the large blank concrete wall of the water reservoir in the centre of the Uptown area. It was widely accepted that the 512sqm blank concrete wall also served as a target for graffiti, vandalism, and a mural would provide a deterrent as well as an uplifting, place making piece of art.

Washington, DC-based IDA is the premier organization for urban place professionals who are shaping and activating dynamic city centre districts. The Uptown Business Association, one of Auckland’s 48 Business Improvement Districts, is the urban place management organization representing the interests of property owners in the Eden Terrace, Grafton and Newton area and is a member of IDA.

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