Sculpture On Show At Fort Takapuna

5 November 2004

Sculpture On Show At Fort Takapuna Historic Reserve

A North Shore historic reserve has been transformed into a contemporary New Zealand sculpture show, which opened to the public today.

The Friends of Women's Refuges exhibition, Sculpture Onshore, at Fort Takapuna Historic Reserve in Devonport showcases the work of over 100 leading and emerging sculptors from around the country to raise funds to support young children affected by family violence and abuse.

Showing for the fifth time, the biannual sculpture event outgrew its previous site at the Becroft garden in Takapuna, with 6000 visitors in 2002.

Friends of Women's Refuges patron Genevieve Becroft said the historic reserve at Narrow Neck was an exciting new site for the popular exhibition, which they wanted to keep on the North Shore.

"It's a magnificent setting for sculpture with the fort and superb cliff top views out across the gulf. With the extra space more people will be able to see the exhibition and hopefully we'll exceed the $100,000 we raised last time."

Department of Conservation Auckland Area Manager Beau Fraser said the sculpture show was an interesting new way to use the reserve, which is in the early stages of re-development.

"It's a great way to attract people who may not have otherwise visited this fantastic site."

Mr Fraser said it also fitted with other creative projects DOC was involved in such as working with Creative NZ and a public works artist to design the new Rangitoto Wharf.

The exhibition will be open to the public from 5-14 November. In support of Women's Refuge, a donation would be appreciated. Guided tours of the sculptures and newly restored historic fort will be available and a café will be operating for light refreshments.

Shore Kids do Sculpture, a sculpture show from local schools, is on display inside the fort, which is open from 11-2pm daily.

All art works are for sale with proceeds going to the Star Rooms project within Women's Refuges. These rooms provide a safe environment and healing activities for children who have been exposed to violence.

Fort Takapuna Historic Reserve became part of the conservation estate in 2000 and is managed by the Department of Conservation. It forms a unique historic complex spanning coastal defence history through the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. The reserve is located on along the cliff top south of Narrow Neck Beach.

The North Shore City Council is working with DOC in the re-development of the recreational reserve next to Fort Takapuna, which will be grassed following the removal of old defence buildings on the site.

ENDS

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