MEDIA RELEASE
7 September 2005

‘Art bridges’ proposed in plan for CBD

Transforming the city’s prominent bridges into art features is just one of the concepts raised in a plan to encourage and incorporate public artwork in the central city.

The CBD Public Artwork Development Plan, approved by the Arts, Culture and Recreation Committee today, was drafted by city planners following a report prepared by landscape architect Richard Reid. It was the result of widespread research and consultation with planners, architects, artists and academics.

“This is an excellent piece of planning which will make the city’s vision for highly visible artworks a reality. It raises some exciting concepts and provides a clear framework for future planning and integration of artworks around the city,” says chairprson of the Arts, Culture and Recreation Committee, Councillor Penny Sefuiva.

The plan specifically identifies 55 opportunities around the CBD for incorporating both public and privately funded artworks. It also proposes concepts like ‘Netwalks’ or ‘Wandering Lines’ where people encounter artworks along popular CBD walking routes.

It highlights the potential to transform CBD bridges into ‘art bridges’ through urban design, artwork and lighting techniques so they become both functional structures and features of the city.

“Artworks can create a sense of identity and ambience. The ideas which have been raised will allow planners and designers to look at the big picture and create a network of artwork throughout the CBD for people to appreciate and take pride in,” says Mrs Sefuiva.

“The city plays an important role in facilitating public artworks and we are working closely with the Auckland City Sculpture Trust and others to streamline the selection of sites and regulatory processes. We acknowledge the important contribution that these groups make to the city’s cultural soul.”

CBD Public Artwork Development Plan will be implemented when streets are upgraded as part of Auckland’s CBD Into the future – the strategy guiding the CBD’s development.

ENDS

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