Ruapehu District Council has established a Mayor’s Art Advisory Group aimed at championing local artists and strengthening the district’s creative sector – without adding costs for ratepayers.
The initiative, proposed by Councillor John Chapman, was endorsed by councillors last week.
Chapman, a photographer and long-time advocate for the arts, said the group would create a practical way for artists and supporters to work directly with council on “low-cost, high-impact” projects.
“We already have a number of ideas,” Chapman said, pointing to plans to use council spaces and publications to showcase local artists, integrate art into placemaking projects, increase rangatahi participation in the arts, and support murals and public art installations.
He said the advisory group would leverage the council’s existing assets and networks while ensuring no additional burden on staff or ratepayers.
“It will also give local artists and art groups a collective entity to help share the workload involved in promoting and championing the arts,” Chapman said.
Mayor Weston Kirton said Ruapehu has a rich artistic heritage and a strong community of contemporary creatives working across a range of mediums.
“Art brings our places to life through the telling of our stories and the portrayal of our people and landscapes,” Kirton said.
“It can be a powerful drawcard – helping make Ruapehu a place people want to visit and live and encouraging new creatives to make their home here.”
The Mayor said he was pleased the council had backed the initiative and was looking forward to seeing how the group would promote artists and strengthen the health of the creative sector.
People interested in the work of the Mayor’s Art Advisory Group are encouraged to contact Councillor Chapman.
Awa FM – Te Reo Irirangi o Whanganui
For more of our people, our stories, our way, click News or follow us on Facebook.
