Large public art to be commissioned for central Whangārei

The artwork will be installed in the middle of a new urban park which will be developed in the car park area next to the Hundertwasser Art Centre in Whangarei. Photo/John Stone

An artist or a group of artists are being sought to create a large public artwork in central Whangārei.

The work will be a permanent commission that will be situated in a new $5.2 million urban park in the Town Basin.

Whangārei District Council has plans to convert the carpark area between the Canopy Bridge and the Hundertwasser Art Centre site into a park. It will be opened in the latter part of 2020.

The park will provide a link between the Whangārei waterfront, the central city area and the Hātea Loop.

Council information about the art commission states the landscape design features a large lawn and amphitheatre, water feature with lighting, small play space, waterfront seating, many trees and soft landscaping.

"Pedestrian and feature lighting will encourage visitors to use the park at night and events, from small market days to large festivals and open air cinema, will enhance the visitor experience."

The park is fully accessible with a network of internal paths that lead to the "heart" of the park - a large paved space where the public artwork will be located.

The information also said there are no "preconceived ideas of what this work could be and what medium the artist may wish to work with".

"However, the work must be original, permanent and conceived with minimising future maintenance in mind."

It goes on to say it should be "memorable" and "intriguing" and engage visitors and users of the park.

The budget is $200,000 and includes design fees, fabrication, delivery and installation of the work and any additional consultant's fees.

A second complimentary public art work to be displayed within the central city is also within the scope of the project.

Artists are expected to have Professional Indemnity Insurance of $500,000 and Public Liability Insurance of $1,000,000. Applications, which should include a CV, a portfolio, information about consultants and why they want the job, are due by midday April 8.

The council will select a shortlist who will be provided with cultural and historical narratives, context and location for the artwork, practicalities and constraints, and design details of the park in early April.

The successful artist will be notified in early May and final designs will be completed in September.

To make an application go to: http://www.wdc.govt.nz/FacilitiesandRecreation/Town-Basin/Pages/Public-Art-Commission.aspx