Council and Chorus bringing art to local neighbourhoods

Calling all Ruapehu District artists

This is the first year Chorus is working with Ruapehu District Council to bring its cabinet art programme to the district and is calling for designs from local artists.

Chorus is working with Ruapehu District Council to transform four cabinets in the district, with one each in Ohakune, Taumarunui, Rangataua and Raurimu. Artists are encouraged to get their designs in before the deadline of August 31.

Chorus Community Relations Manager Jo Seddon says we are really pleased that the Ruapehu District Council has answered the call to work with us.

“It is great to working with local councils when it comes to choosing cabinets and designs as they know the area and what the community needs,” she says.

“Ruapehu District Council has nominated four cabinets in the region in need of a makeover and we’re really looking forward to seeing what local artists come up with.”

These cabinets become works of art in the street, often telling stories about the communities in which they are located and help to discourage graffiti vandalism.

Community Relationships and Wellbeing Manager Candice McNaught will be coordinating designs and artists this year and is excited to be working with Chorus on this initiative.

“This programme is great opportunity for our community. Not only do we get fantastic artworks in our streets, but it also provides work and promotes our local artists,” she says.

Requests for designs are now open and the winning design for each cabinet will be chosen from entries received.

Information can be found on the Chorus dedicated webpage: https://www.chorus.co.nz/community/cabinet-art-programme

All finished art will be included on the Chorus website and will be considered for the 2023 Chorus Cabinet Art calendar, copies of which are sent around the world.

Existing murals can be seen here:

https://www.chorus.co.nz/blog/cabinet-art-gallery/

Background:

In 2010 Chorus began a trial in Auckland to test if art works on the cabinets decreased the frequency of tagging.

This proved successful so the programme has been extended to include art works throughout the country.

The main criteria for considering a cabinet as a candidate for art work is the frequency of tagging, as the mural becomes cost effective through eliminating cleaning costs. However other avenues are also considered, such as community or council requests and involvement.

More information:

Jo Seddon, Chorus Community Relations Manager 027 655 5135