Art in the City

Art in the City is a creative initiative to transform empty shop windows and spaces into vibrant showcases for local art.

By bringing colour, light and imagination into the spaces we pass every day, the project aims to bring a sense of aroha and creativity to revitalize the unique character of the city.

You will see windows popping up with local creativity over the next few months. Some feature the work of local artists. Other windows are project based collaborations to showcase community creativity. 

Below is more detail about each of the installations. The info will tell you about the projects, the artists, and the intention behind the work. 

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

We would like to acknowledge Rongowhakaata as mana whenua of our city centre in relation to this project. Here is a link to their website Rongowhakaata Iwi Trust

This project is generously supported by Gisborne District Council and Trust Tairāwhiti, and plays a small part towards the wider City Centre Revitalisation Programme.

TAIRAWHITI WILDLIFE STARS

Hospice Tairāwhiti and Tairāwhiti Environment Centre Collaboration.  38 Peel St.

Seven of Tairāwhiti’s wildlife creatures have been produced as giant soft sculptures by groups of young enthusiasts.

Art in the City brought Tairāwhiti Environment Centre and Hospice Tairāwhiti together to collaborate. With both sharing a strong environmental stance and commitment to working towards a sustainable future, it seemed a recipe for success. 

Resources and knowledge came together to create a learning and making experience for children through fun hectic school holiday workshops.

They learnt about some of the amazing creatures in our region and set about recreating them for an art display which would showcase their creations alongside information about the animals.

The making journey has been fun and colourful and the end result delivers a fun and educational window for inner city pedestrians which highlights some of our most special and vulnerable critters. 

Special thanks to Hospice Tairāwhiti and the Environment Centre, the sewing leaders, the participating children, DOC, Rebecca Pettitt and Kenzie Sampson. 

TINY GALLERY

Outside entry - HB Williams Memorial Library – 35 Peel St.

There is a flash new gallery in town! Three floors of crisp white walls, floor to ceiling glass, and the best part…its filled with young local talent!

The Tiny Gallery is located outside the Peel Street entrance of the library. The small space is currently being curated by the talented Steph Barnett who has been commissioned to deliver six shows over the course of a year. 

Steph shares her creative learnings with rangitahi through the IDEA School at EIT so we’re looking forward to seeing what they are going to roll out.

The first show is a collaboration with the SPCA where you can see illustrated drawings from the level 4 IDEA students of some of the adorable dogs and cats waiting for a home.

The second show is filled with handmade, handpainted snails by Yr 10 Campion College students.

The show comes with a seasonal message to slow down.

Thanks Steph and students for making another corner of our city a lot more interesting.