NewsNew public art works dazzle the eye in Christchurch

Known as "SCAPE 2008" Christchurch people have been captivated by a programme of artworks and events in Christchurch over the last month and which continues through to 2 November. 

Christchurch’s public spaces work as an interface between artists and audiences, creating a highly active environment and festival-like atmosphere.  The majority of sites where the works are installed are conveniently located within the central city.  The festival features 25 participating artists from 15 countries.

Anderson Lloyd provides pro bono assistance to the Art & Industry Biennial Trust, which is dedicated to engaging the public in new contemporary art in public space through partnerships between art and industry.  Through the strategic placement of public artworks by national and international artists, the Trust aims to generate awareness and understanding of contemporary visual arts and culture, celebrate excellence and promote Christchurch City as a resonant and productive cultural and visual arts destination. 

The Christchurch Biennial (run by the Art & Industry Trust) is New Zealand’s only international biennial dedicated to producing new works of public art.  Art & Industry has presented four biennials since 2000.

A number of the outdoor artworks in this year's programme (including placing a giant sperm in Cathedral Square, building a bathroom around the James Cook statue in Victoria Square and hanging a sailing boat from a crane in Cranmer Square) required resource consents.  Anderson Lloyd obtained these for the Trust on a non-notified basis. 

The artworks can be found in a number of locations around Christchurch (such as Cathedral Square, Victoria Square, Cranmer Square and in the Avon River) and in Lyttelton.  See www.scapebiennial.org.nz for more information on the artworks and their locations.