Artist transforms Broadway’s utility boxes

Artist transforms Broadway’s utility boxes

Newmarket’s once untidy utility boxes on Broadway have had a new lease of life thanks to artist Dan Mills.

The latest project follows Mr Mills being commissioned to paint huge murals on both sides of the rail corridor, visible from the northern end of Broadway earlier this year, to coincide with the opening of the new Newmarket Railway Station. Several months on and the murals have been well received and successful in deterring graffiti taggers.

“Dan did such a great job in the rail corridor, reflecting Newmarket’s past and aspirations that we wanted him back. Our utility boxes have been untidy for sometime. However thanks to Dan’s talent these boxes are now actually adding to Broadway’s look and feel,” says Cameron Brewer, chief executive of the Newmarket Business Association.

Dan Mills agrees: “I like to think I’ve made these giant boxes that were a bit grimy and nondescript into something of interest.

“I used the sculptural and architectural lines that already exist on Broadway as the basis of the design for these pieces. My aim was to reinforce pleasing and attractive elements that are already there,” says Mr Mills.

Cameron Brewer: “Dan has done well to incorporate aspects of the Terry Stringer and Virginia sculptures, Newmarket’s cabbage tree heritage, as well as the lovely old curved building on the corner of Remuera Road and Broadway.

“The association was pleased to fund this project, and as a business community we are committed to growing our public art. In the coming months we will also be unveiling some exciting sculptural work on the redeveloped Osborne Street,” says Mr Brewer.

Dan Mills: “It's encouraging to see how much is happening in Newmarket at the moment with the beautification of its public spaces. I really enjoyed painting on Broadway, interacting with the local people, and playing a small role in Newmarket’s ongoing improvements.”

Mr Brewer says the business association is keen to thank utility box owners Chorus, Vodafone, and Auckland City Council for their permission, as well as Graffiti Solutions for doing the prepping and graffiti protection.

ENDS

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