Media Release

September 3, 2008

For Immediate Release                                                                       

Aucklanders call for more public art

Following much recent debate about the lack of public art in cities, pedestrians have voiced their opinion on the new street-level gallery in downtown Auckland, showing it their support and admiration.

The free outdoor gallery features some inspirational works of art from some top New Zealand artists and up and coming talent, brought to Auckland City by Robert Harris Coffee Roasters.

The feedback from the public is resoundingly positive with comments such as, “It’s beautiful – an improvement on what the bus shelters usually look like” and “I have always thought the city could do with more public art”.

Auckland City states that it is “Committed to supporting the development of public art as part of the vision to be a world-class city. It wants a city that residents are proud of and that they will enjoy living in, and a city that visitors will be attracted to”.

Adding, “Great public art - like high quality urban design, great architecture, beautiful and well-designed public spaces, parks and streetscapes - is a vital component of any great city[1]”.

The Robert Harris Inspiration Collection helps revitalize the urban CBD area, providing art and culture to the city’s visitors and residents.

Curator of the street gallery, Suzi Jowsey Featherstone, says it’s vital for corporate companies, such as Robert Harris Coffee Roasters who want to work with artists to allow the art to “breathe and be”.

“Robert Harris Coffee Roasters has had immense faith in 10 New Zealand artists and the result has been very powerful”, says Jowsey.

ENDS.

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