Rebuilding Christchurch’s Arts

For immediate release 26/2/13

Rebuilding Christchurch’s Arts

ArtBox organisers at CPIT are expecting a large turnout tomorrow evening [Wednesday 27 February] for the official launch of an initiative that has already gained widespread awareness and appreciation in Christchurch.

Frequently used as an excellent example of a transitional project, ArtBox was developed to provide artists with studio and gallery space. The concept has since grown into a ‘Boxed Quarter’ site on the corner of Madras Street and St Asaph Street with a BeatBox concept being developed separately to support musicians. With hospitality and retail also being planned, Boxed Quarter is set to become a popular meeting place as well as a haven for the arts.

Work by Roger Boyce, Joanna Braithwaite and Ronnie van Hout will be on show until 8 April.

“These are all well-established artists who either live in Canterbury or have strong ties to the region. We’re very pleased to have such a strong show to open ArtBox and we plan to show a high standard of work to challenge and inspire the people of Christchurch,” CPIT ArtBox co-ordinator Martin Trusttum said.

The ArtBox modules were developed by F3 Design and are designed to be relocated and be put together in different configurations. The concept envisages 18 modules, as four separate buildings, to be built by the end of the year, with the precinct planned to have an initial lifespan of five years.

“ArtBox will contribute to the revitalisation of the visual arts in the central city with a flow on to other creative arts such as music and performance. It’s great that CPIT can take the lead with a project like this – ArtBox will revitalise a corner of Christchurch.”

Last week, TelstraClear’s new commemorative sculpture ‘Bands for Hope’ by local artist Jason Ware, was unveiled on the ArtBox site, making a striking addition to the precinct.

Partners such as the CPIT Foundation, Placemakers Riccarton, the CCC Mayoral Fund, NZ Steel and many others have made ArtBox possible.

CPIT students will also benefit with the opportunities to be engaged in the day to day operations of ArtBox, taking up roles such as operations managers, project managers and promotional personnel in the final years of their degrees.

For more information see www.cpit.ac.nz

ENDS

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