NEWS RELEASE
17 March 2009
 
Get your creative thinking caps on for Willis Street art
 
Fancy having your artwork seen by thousands of people every day? Now’s your chance. The Willis Central building (just across the road from Chews Lane) is about to be demolished and rebuilt, and the City Council’s Public Art Panel, in conjunction with developer The Wellington Company, are keen to commission a temporary public artwork for the worksite hoarding.
 
The Council’s Public Art Fund and The Wellington Company will cover the costs of materials, the resource consent and the artist’s fee. The artwork will be in place for around 18 months – construction work begins in May and is expected to be completed by October 2010.
 
The Council’s Arts and Culture Portfolio Leader, Councillor Ray Ahipene-Mercer, says this is a brilliant opportunity for artists, considering the location of the site.
 
“Passersby, whether walking along the street, on a bus or in their cars are all bound to see the artwork once it’s installed, which is great exposure for whoever gets the commission. I look forward to seeing what people come up with.”
 
The new eco-sustainable Telecom headquarters will be constructed behind the hoarding, so those who wish to submit a proposal are asked to consider the values behind the construction. During demolition and construction, waste management practices will be in place to reuse and recycle as much original material as possible All timber will be sustainably sourced, and low-environmental-impact paints will be used to create a healthy interior for employees and tenants. Once completed, Willis Central will collect roof water in storage tanks to be used for toilet flushing.
 
Proposals should be submitted by Tuesday 14 April. For an application form or for more information about the project email frances.speer@wcc.govt.nz
 
Application forms can also be found on the City Arts ‘Current Projects and Opportunities’ webpage at www.wellington.govt.nz/services/arts/projects.html
 
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