Inspirational photographs a must-see, says Mayor

5 August 2013

Inspirational photographs a must-see, says Mayor

Mayor Bob Parker is urging people to take the opportunity to see an exhibition by some of the country’s leading photographers when it opens in Christchurch this week.

The month-long exhibition in the Central City showcases the finalists in the New Zealand Geographic Photographer of the Year 2013 competition, as well as winners from previous years.

Mayor Parker is pleased that the national competition has chosen Christchurch as its base to showcase the finalists. It is the first time the exhibition has been taken on tour.

“There are some exceptionally talented photographers represented in this competition who really know how to capture the essence of New Zealand. Their images are inspirational and make you stop and reflect on what a remarkable place this country is.

“Events such as these attract people and add to the sense of vibrancy and activity in our city. I encourage people to make the effort to experience the exhibition.”

Images document and critically examine society and the environment and are organised into four categories: Wildlife, Landscape, Society and Culture, and Photostory. Each year the competition attracts 3000 entries.

The New Zealand Geographic team is thrilled to bring the Photographer of the Year exhibition to Christchurch, says editor James Frankham.

“Cantabrian photographers have embraced the competition and punched well above their weight for many years — no less than 16 finalists have come from the region.

“The visual arts have the power to engage, motivate, and reconnect people with their land and society — important and potent emotional connections to make at a time when the city is rebuilding and redefining itself. We're privileged to be involved in that process, and invite all Cantabrians to enjoy the imagery in the exhibition and vote on their favourites; those images that best connect them to New Zealand and their fellow New Zealanders.”

Part of the Council’s programme of events to welcome people back into the Central City, the exhibition will be open to the public from Friday 9 August to Sunday 8 September. People will be able to view the images between10am and 6pm Sunday-Thursday and from 10am to 8pm on Friday and Saturday.

The Council’s Events Production Team Manager Chloë Dear says the outdoor site on the corner of Cashel and High streets will contain a purpose-built exhibition space with protection from the elements.

Hosting the exhibition in Christchurch has been made possible through a grant from the Council’s Transitional City Projects Fund.

Find out more about Central City projects at www.futurechristchurch.co.nz/events

ENDS

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