3 December 2009

Pasifika artists support Project Iva to paint city benches

Andy Leleisi’uao will today (3 December) assist students from Unlimited Paenga Tawhiti’s Project Iva to decorate park benches for use at Christchurch City Council events, including the Ellerslie International Flower Show.

Andy’s efforts are in a bid to help the students achieve their goal of taking a container full of school equipment to a village primary school in Samoa next year.

“I’m more than happy to help these guys,” Andy said. “I’m really impressed with what they are planning. It’s awesome.”

The World Buskers festival has donated 50 bench seats for use at major events and has invited schools and local artists to help paint the benches, creating lasting works of art to be used at such events as Ellerslie and the World Buskers Festival.

“The Bench Art competition is an opportunity for Christchurch artists to brighten up the city with colourful, creative and decorative works of art that will be seen by international audiences attending the city’s festivals,” says City Council Marketing Manager Richard Stokes.

“It is great to have Pasifika artists such as Andy Leleisi’uao supporting the Bench Art Competition and working alongside the students from Unlimited Paenga Tawhiti to interpret the theme The Garden City.”

Leleisi’uao has exhibited extensively throughout New Zealand, Australia, Rarotonga, Germany, Taiwan and the United States, his work well-known for critiquing the social, cultural and political stereotypes and realities of Samoans in New Zealand.

Mr Stokes says the benches will a great art legacy for the city, students competing in three categories - Best Interpretation of Theme, Best Individual and Best Team - to win some great prizes.

Andy Leleisi’uao, and Unlimited Paenga Tawhiti students will paint benches in City Mall outside Hallensteins today between 10am and 2pm. Students from Unlimited Paenga Tawhiti, Linwood College and Discovery One will team up with Project Legit and other Pasifika artists to decorate the remainder of the benches next Monday 7 and Tuesday 8 December.

Other schools are invited to be part of the competition and should register with Braden Faave on 378 3120.

The Bench Art Competition is supported by Resene Paints, Project Legit and FridgeFreezerIcebox.

ENDS

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