Murals installed around Rotorua central streets after symposium

Project manager Helen English in front of some of the murals being installed around the Rotorua central business district. Photo/Andrew Warner

Eight murals created during a week-long symposium have been installed around the Rotorua central business district.

The Rotorua Mural Symposium ran for a week in November and saw eight artists create large murals around the theme mud and steam.

Now they've been installed at six locations to add vibrancy to the CBD, said project manager Helen English.

"The feedback we've already had is people have been coming along, having a look and are really interested in the installation.

"People are already gravitating towards all of them."

English encouraged the public to discover the artworks around the city.

"Every one of them was painted by an extremely talented artist. At the symposium you could wander around and just drink in the different styles of amazing art being produced. Now it's out there for everyone to go and see."

Rotorua Lakes Council community arts adviser Marc Spijkerbosch said the murals were also a way for the artists to get exposure.

"There are a lot of empty, tired looking spaces so why not [install them]. It's an opportunity for local artists to get their work out there."

Artist Paul Walsh created one of the murals and said having them spotted around the area made art accessible.

"I'm keen to see more art everywhere. I'm also really into ways to get art into the public sphere that gives the artist more freedom," Walsh said.

"Things like this where the artists were free to create their interpretation of Rotorua is ideal. The artists had a lot of creative freedom and the public get to see it without any barriers.

"You don't have to go out of your way to see it and there are no entry fees ... it's the most publicly accessible form of art."

Australian artists Tom Cosic and Eve Soemardi took home first place and $10,000, for their mural Nova Zealandia and local artist Jacob Chrisohoou won the $1000 people's choice award.

Where to find the murals
- Three by McLeods Booksellers, 1148 Pukuatua St
- Sonshine Book Centre, 1129 Eruera St
- Furniture Zone, 1271 Amohia St
- 1210 Pukuatua St
- Eruera St by the Citizens Advice Bureau
- One more to be confirmed