Kids get chance to create public art work

Christchurch’s budding young artists and designers are being given the opportunity to create a unique public art work for Hagley Park.

As  part of its Re:ACTIVATE programme SCAPE Public Art is on the hunt for young creatives who want to stamp their mark on Christchurch by having an art work they designed super-sized and publicly displayed for a six-week season, beginning in October.

George Lewis, seven, with his art work Sunbeam.

Last year seven-year-old George Lewis’ drawing was turned into a 1.9 metre by 1.45 metre artwork, titled Sunbeam and displayed in the Re:Start Mall.

This year the best two art works will be displayed in Hagley Park.

“We want as many children as possible to participate in this programme,’’ says SCAPE Public Art Communications Manager Carolyne Grant.

The Re:ACTIVATE programme is open to anyone under the age of 18. To participate they simply need to submit initial concepts for their art work by July 7.

The top 20 concepts will be shortlisted for exhibition and then one concept from the kids category (years 1 to 8) and one concept from the teens category (years 9 to 13) will be brought to life for Scape’s six week season with the help of Lewis Bradford Consulting Engineers.

Helen Trappitt, from Lewis Bradford Consulting Engineers, has a long association with SCAPE and has been involved in many prominent public artworks.

“I’m really excited about this exhibition and seeing what this group of aspiring young artists will create. Children might not think it is possible to have something they designed come to life on a grand scale in a public place. It can and that’s the fun part of this project,’’ she said.

Find out more out SCAPE.