Artists adding colour to Rotorua city walkways

Local artist Chris Newman's tribute to Jean Batten on Springfield Rd was painted as part of the Chorus programme. Photo / Stephen Parker

Rotorua's footpaths are about to get even more colourful, with the extension of the Chorus cabinet art project.

Chorus is working with the Rotorua District Council to extend its programme in Rotorua and is again calling for designs from local artists.

The project, where 11 of the city's more frequently tagged cabinets were dressed in eye-catching art, was so successful earlier this year Chorus now wants to extend it further.

The cabinets became works of art in the street, telling stories about the communities in which they were located and helping to discourage tagging.

Designs in Rotorua included tributes to Sir Howard Morrison, actor Cliff Curtis, Jean Batten and the Bath House.

Council community arts advisor Marc Spijkerbosch worked with Chorus last year and will again be co-ordinating designs and artists.

Generally Chorus will pay $1000 for each cabinet, which includes the design, painting and application of graffiti-guard. The graffiti-guard is supplied and materials, such as paint and brushes, are paid for on top of the fee.

Artists are provided with instructions on how to prepare the cabinet and graffiti-guard it once the painting is finished, with payment made once the work is satisfactorily completed.

To be considered to work on a cabinet, artists should supply an A4 sketch of their design, a short description of what the design means and a brief biography of any relevant experience. These proposals should be sent to Mr Spijkerbosch at Rotorua District Council by August 29.

Chorus will make the final decision on which designs it chooses and it is envisaged the work will be completed as soon as weather permits.

All finished art will be included on the Chorus website and will be considered for the 2015 Chorus Cabinet Art calendar.

Existing murals are at www.chorus.co.nz/cabinet-art.