Artists from the Otara-Papatoetoe area are being encouraged to submit designs to help bring two telecommunications cabinets to life.
Chorus, who own the two cabinets, both located in Papatoetoe off main streets - one in Portage Road and the other on Kenderdine Road, are looking for artists to transform the cabinets into engaging, stylish pieces of art.
Local artists have until 31 August to submit their designs and Otara-Papatoetoe Local Board Chair Apulu Reece Autagavaia is thrilled local artists can showcase their creative talents through initiatives like these.
"The Otara-Papatoetoe Local Board is excited to see local artists share their art and reflect the talent we have in our community. We want to thank Chorus for giving local artists the chance to showcase their work in this way.”
In 2010 Chorus began a trial in Auckland to test if art works on the cabinets decreased the frequency of tagging.
The programme has been expanded to include artwork around the motu, after the experiment was deemed successful.
The frequency of tagging is the main aspect considered when choosing a cabinet as a potential location for artwork because it makes the mural more affordable by reducing cleaning expenses. Other options, such as requests from the community or council, are also considered.
Chorus Community Relations Manager Jo Seddon says, “We have been working with local artists to paint murals in Otara-Papatoetoe area for several years, with fantastic results, and we’re really looking forward to seeing what local artists come up with this year.
“This initiative supports communities. Not only do they get fantastic new artworks in their streetscape, but it also provides work and promotion of local artists.”
These cabinets become works of art in the street, often telling stories about the communities in which they are located.
You can submit your design by 31 August and the winning design for each cabinet will be chosen by both Chorus and your local Council panel, who will review the design and then confirm if your design is successful. All successful recipients will be required to fill out a Health and Safety assessment form before you start painting.
Information can be found on Chorus’ website https://www.chorus.co.nz/community/cabinet-art-programme , whilst existing nationwide murals can be seen at https://www.chorus.co.nz/blog/topic/chorus-in-the-community.
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