Website Invites Public Input On Wintec Wall Art Installation

Website Invites Public Input On Wintec Wall Art Installation

31 AUGUST 2012

For Immediate Release

The public can help shape the design of a temporary art installation for the Anglesea Street wall, thanks to a new website www.mindmap.net.nz which will launch tomorrow.

The concept for the artwork on the Anglesea St wall (also known as Wintec Wall) is an interactive ‘mind map,’ with the website providing a simple process to log on and make word contributions to a live and constantly changing mind map.

Public contributions will be accepted for four weeks, before artist Kim Paton refines the ideas down to around 500 words that will form the basis of the installation. Ms Paton also intends to facilitate sessions with students from Wintec and local high schools for their input.

“I encourage the public to get involved with this project by making their contributions through the website – in many ways Mind Map is about reflecting the diversity of interests, beliefs and ideas that exist within Hamilton communities,” she says.

The installation, which will be created using an external grade vinyl adhesive, is scheduled to be installed on the wall in late October and will remain in place until the end of January 2013.

Hamilton Mayor Julie Hardaker said she is excited to see the design take shape. “The public have been debating the possibilities of an artwork on the Wintec wall for many years. Now they have the chance be part of the process and help shape the design of something unique and exciting for the city. I'm going to add my thoughts to the website as well and I'm looking forward to seeing what words appear on the wall.”

Hamilton City Council put its support behind the artwork at an Operations and Activity Committee meeting in June, with $5000 allocated from the city’s Public Art Fund. The installation has also been assessed and endorsed by Hamilton’s Public Art Panel, and will connect with a similar largescale drawing on the window facade of the Waikato Museum.

Council has received a number of proposals for public art on Wintec Wall over the years however physical constraints including the thickness, internal reinforcement and weight bearing limit of the wall and the need to maintain footpath access at its base, has meant no project have been pursued to date.

In addition to the proposed temporary project, Council staff are also working on a project briefs for a permanent piece of public art for this space. There is currently no timeframe or funding attached to this potential project.

ENDS

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