Public Art Workshops for Christchurch

15 March 2012

Public Art Workshops for Christchurch

A free workshop focused on enabling artists to become active agents for recovery in post-earthquake Christchurch was launched today by the SCAPE Christchurch Biennial of Art in Public Space.

The SCAPE Public Art Development Workshop has been developed specifically for Christchurch-based visual arts students, emerging, and mid-career artists. Held over two days, on 23rd and 24th April at CPIT’s Te Puna Wanaka, this practical workshop aims to cultivate the necessary skills to develop art projects for Christchurch.

The workshop builds on SCAPE’s commitment to Christchurch artists. Working in partnership with the tertiary art and design schools, SCAPE aims to foster emerging and current talent by opening up the public art process. The workshop will also provide new ways of thinking about public space at a vital planning stage in the transitional city.

"We are delighted to have this opportunity to support the artistic community in Christchurch" says Deborah McCormick, Director of the Art & Industry Biennial Trust and SCAPE Biennials. "Christchurch artists have been through a lot in the past year and SCAPE feel that it is important to provide them with the skills and knowledge to take a leading role in the development of a vibrant and culturally rich city."

The international guest speaker at the workshop will be Biljana Ciric, a Shanghai-based independent curator and writer. As part of the event, Biljana will present a talk on building sustainable and relevant practice; working collaboratively and independently to explore public art initiatives, interventions, and alternatives to the exhibition. Members of the SCAPE Team will also present their working models.

A strong programme has been developed to present the critical aspects involved in realising public art in Christchurch in the current environment. Topic areas will encompass key issues around new opportunities in the transitional city; exploring sites, budgets, contracts and approvals; sponsorship and public funding.

Confirmed speakers presenting at the workshop include: artists Neil Dawson and Darryn George; Kate Montgomery – Senior Arts Advisor, Creative New Zealand; Coralie Winn – Gap Filler; Hugh Nicholson – Principal Urban Designer, Christchurch City Council and Carole Anne Meehan and Ana Invanovic-Tongue from the Auckland Council Public Art Team.

Registration for the two full day workshop are now open and can be made by visiting www.scapebiennial.org.nz/events/reactivate and by emailing Jo Mair, 7th SCAPE Public Art Project Manager, on jo@scapebiennial.org.nz.

SCAPE will additionally hold an open public programme on the evenings of 23rd and 24th April. Biljana Ciric will deliver a public talk on 23rd April at which she will discuss the transition of public space in China and the changing relationship between artists and the state. On 24th April, a panel discussion will be presented in conjunction with Arts Voice Christchurch. This discussion will seek to explore new ways for the arts to work in Christchurch’s public spaces.

Further announcements will be made in late March regarding the public talk and the panel discussion.

ENDS

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