Ideas with Rotorua flavour sought for city skatepark mural

12 May 2013

Ideas with Rotorua flavour sought for city skatepark mural

Local mural artists are being asked to submit their ideas for a new mural at the Amohau Street skatepark.

Rotorua District Council (RDC) has allocated $1,500 for the commission, including all materials, and the theme must relate to Rotorua’s culture, heritage or environment.

Council community arts officer, Marc Spijkerbosch said the existing mural was painted many years ago by visiting American mural artist Eric Orr, so it has an obvious American influence.

“Now that it’s due for replacement we’re pushing for the new mural to have more of a local zing to it. We’ve got huge talent here so it’d be fantastic to get Rotorua’s culture integrated into the design, and to tell our story in such a high profile area.”

Mr Spijkerbosch, who painted Amohau Street skatepark’s first mural of a hound dog on a skateboard almost 20 years ago, said the murals have been painted on plywood and typically last around five years before they require replacing.

“Due to weather and structural and tagging damage, as well as general wear and tear, our murals have had a limited lifespan. However the new mural will be created with aluminum panels so it will withstand the elements much better, and will therefore be enjoyed by locals and visitors for many more years to come.”

Mr Spijkerbosch said the new mural will be painted on panels during a special mural workshop at Rotorua Arts Village studios, allowing local mural enthusiasts to be part of the project.

Submissions for the Amohau Street skatepark mural close with the council on 31 May at 5pm. The new mural’s unveiling on 6 July will coincide with the opening of Rotorua Museum's ‘Surface Treatment - the Art of James Turkington’ exhibition.

For further information or to submit a proposal contact Marc Spijkerbosch at marc.spijkerbosch@rdc.govt.nz.

ENDS

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