Public Art

The term public art refers to works of art (in any media) that have been planned and executed with the specific intention of being sited or staged in the public domain, usually outside and accessible to all. The term is especially significant within the art world, amongst curators, commissioning bodies and practitioners of public art, to whom it signifies a particular working practice, often with implications of site specificity, community involvement and collaboration (definition from Wikipedia).

Christchurch is the venue for the SCAPE Biennial of Art in Public Space. It is New Zealand’s only biennial dedicated to the exhibition of contemporary art in public space. It is organised by the Art & Industry Biennial Trust. The SCAPE Biennial aims to maximize the experience and access to visual art through highly visible, interactive and engaging programmes, providing a forum for artists to develop new and innovative artworks while creating experiences that challenge and enrich the lives of the people of Christchurch and its visitors.

Christchurch Public Art links

Art & Industry Biennial Trust

The Art & Industry Biennial Trust is dedicated to bringing contemporary artwork into the civic sphere of Canterbury where it can be considered, discussed and enjoyed by a wider audience, and revitalise the cultural face of the urban environment.

Public Art in Central Christchurch

This publication was created to locate and document the works of art that are publicly owned in the central Christchurch area. The project has focused on the area within the four Avenues. For the purpose of this study a work of art has been defined as a memorial, sculpture, fountain, or mural, that is publicly owned. Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetu.

Arts Policy and Strategy

Christchurch City Council strategy aiming to support the development of local artists, generate new employment opportunities, develop opportunities for arts expression and participation as well as improving the quality of the built environment left behind for future generations.

Artworks in Public Places - 5 Year Plan

In the Christchurch City Council’s 2003/04 annual plan, an allocation was made for providing artworks in public places. This plan describes a process for identifying opportunities for artworks in public places, and for helping to prioritise them, so it can be used to guide decision making regarding public artworks.

Creative New Zealand Creative Communities scheme - Creative Christchurch

Local arts funding. The aim of the scheme is to increase participation in the arts at a local level, and increase the range and diversity of arts available to communities. The scheme is a partnership between Creative New Zealand and the Christchurch City Council.

The Kiosk

The Kiosk is a permanent public art site for temporary exhibitions. Curated by The Physics Room.

Gridlocked

Gridlocked ran in Christchurch, New Zealand from 2002 to 2004. The project located itself in the unused alleyways, shop fronts and windows of central Christchurch, with the intention of creating art works which the public could happen upon, and have an experience of the work unmediated by an institution of art.