Cabinet Art for Central Hawke’s Bay

Cabinet art is coming to Central Hawke’s Bay and now is the time for artists to get designing.

Four cabinets have been chosen for beautification, three in Waipukurau and one in Waipawa, and artists are encouraged to get their designs in before the deadline of August 31.

Mayor Alex Walker says the beautification of Chorus cabinets in Central Hawke’s Bay will add colour and vibrancy to the townships, that can be enjoyed now and for generations to come.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for artists to showcase their talents, and to design something that truly reflects the exciting place they live, work and play. Getting locals involved in the process is such a positive and fun initiative, and gives them a chance to tell the unique story of Central Hawke’s Bay at a community level.”

Chorus Community Relations Manager Jo Seddon says that it makes sense to partner with local councils, as they have the same goal in mind to discourage graffiti vandalism.

“It is great to work with local councils when it comes to choosing cabinets and designs as they know what their community needs,” she said.

“Central Hawke’s Bay Council has nominated four cabinets and we’re really looking forward to seeing what local artists have in mind.”

These cabinets become works of art, often telling stories about the communities in which they are located, and help to discourage tagging.

Central Hawke’s Bay District Council Community Development Lead Christine Renata will be co-ordinating designs and artists and says she is really looking forward to seeing what designs local artists come up with.

“The programme is it a great opportunity for our community. Not only do we get fantastic art works in our streetscape, but also it provides work and promotion of our local artists,” she said.

Central Hawke’s Bay has also been chosen as one of the towns nationwide to be part of the Rainbow cabinet art initiative.

“Anyone can put forward a design, with the only stipulation that it has meaning and promotes diversity and inclusion,” Mrs Seddon says

Requests for designs are now open and the winning design for each cabinet will be chosen from entries received.

Information can be found on Chorus’ dedicated webpage: https://www.chorus.co.nz/community/cabinet-art-programme

All finished art will be included on the Chorus website and will be considered for the 2023 Chorus Cabinet Art calendar, copies of which are sent around the world.

Existing murals can be seen here:

https://www.chorus.co.nz/blog/cabinet-art-gallery/

Background:

In 2010 Chorus began a trial in Auckland to test if art works on the cabinets decreased the frequency of tagging.

This proved successful so the programme has been extended to include art works throughout the country.

The main criteria for considering a cabinet as a candidate for art work is the frequency of tagging, as the mural becomes cost effective through eliminating cleaning costs. However other avenues are also considered, such as community or council requests and involvement.

More information: Jo Seddon, Chorus Community Relations Manager 027 655 5135

5 August 2022

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