Arts laureates for Waitakere

Waitakere will soon have its first arts laureates.

Mayor Bob Harvey proposed the idea which was supported by the Council at its meeting last night.

A laureate of the arts is an honorary title given to someone who demonstrates an excellence in the arts field. It is usually a poet, playwright, painter, sculptor or writer.

Mayor Harvey proposes a small working group will establish guidelines, criteria and roles for four laureates. The recipient will receive a medal and citation specially designed for the project as well as a celebratory function hosted by the Council. It may be given for a fixed length of time or granted for life.

“Waitakere has long had a reputation for producing some of the best cultural artforms in the country and the aim is to acknowledge, celebrate and honour truly outstanding achievers in the arts field,” says Mayor Harvey.

“We have our Walkway of Fame and other functions like the Sports Awards and Business Awards. But this is something on a totally different level,” he says.

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