4 May, 2007

Public art tour

A delegation of American university students visited Waitakere today to learn about the city's public art programme.

The fifteen students from throughout the United States, visited Waitakere as part of their 21st Century Cities Programme.

The group heard that Mayor Bob Harvey's leadership and enthusiastic support for the arts have been a significant force in supporting the focus on public art and culture in Waitakere.

As Waitakere City Council's arts manager Naomi McCleary told the students, Waitakere started out as a city with a 'wild Westie reputation' - yet, with the natural beauty created by the Ranges, it has evolved into a sanctuary for creative-minded people and artists.

She said that 'westie edginess' now has a much more sophisticated expression.

The students were shown the Henderson precinct with a tour of the Civic Centre and a walk around public art features in Henderson and the Central Library - that contain examples of the arts/design practice which has given Waitakere a leading edge reputation.

"One of the key things that Waitakere has done is tied its principles of respect for the environment and sustainability to its public art," Ms McCleary told the delegation.

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