CHAIRMAN

I have had a long-time interest and involvement in art and art organisations. This has grown from my work as a fibre artist working my own studio for 27 years. My journey has made me aware of significant public interest in the arts and art works.

Art works in public spaces need much more promotion to better stimulate the public’s interest and enjoyment.

Opportunity to support public art in the Waimakariri is a privilege and a challenge. It is a unique art genre and an important one. It gives the public a very tangible way to view, admire and appreciate a range of art forms, most of which are creations by our own local artists. Their work enhances our environment in creative and unique ways.

Dael gained a fine arts degree from UC Ilam in the late 70s and subsequently worked as a secondary and primary school art teacher. 

She has also expanded her interest and knowledge of the related fields of interior design and floristry, gaining formal qualifications in both.

Once her three children left home, this gave her more time to both paint and conduct painting classes for adults. 

Dael has lived in the Waimakariri district for twelve years and has contributed to service groups and participated in recreational groups such as line dancing and cycling. 
She takes pride in being able to share her broad artistic skill and understanding of the community through the Waimakariri Public Arts Trust.  

With a long career in art education and a passion for public art, promoting the arts has been an integral aspect of my work. This has included encouraging students and local artists, nurturing creativity, and fostering a vibrant art community.

Bringing art into the community has included involvement in organising exhibitions, workshops, mural projects and numerous set designs.

I was part of an art co operative for a number of years and was committed to supporting fellow artists and working collaboratively. My hope was and still is to enrich and inspire those around me.

Public arts in our district are crucial as they reflect our history and local culture, fostering community pride and identity. They enhance spaces, inviting residents and visitors to engage with our heritage. Additionally they stimulate economic growth by attracting tourism and supporting local businesses. Public arts also inspire creativity and innovation, encouraging dialogue and artistic expression.

Investing in Public arts enriches our districts cultural legacy, promotes social connections,develops vitality and nurtures creativity for a vibrant community.

I’m passionate about the Waimakariri District and believe that public art helps make our places and spaces more visually appealing, inviting,  interesting and vibrant.  I’m really interested in fostering public art in our District because it hopefully will encourage creativity and inspiration and get people involved in making Waimakariri even greater than it is! 

Public Art is important to our district because it’s accessible to everyone, and it makes Waimakariri uniquely ‘ours’.   It also gives us all a chance to  appreciate high quality, diverse art, close to home and helps to build a sense of belonging, connection and pride in where who we are and where we live.

COUNCILLOR

The Arts are an integral part of community wellbeing . We have a modest art collection – paintings and sculpture; our son is a leading NZ Art Consultant/dealer ; Caroline is an artist, I hold the Councillor Art Portfolio.

A lifelong interest in the visual arts, starting with experience as a working potter, has led me to a wide involvement in the Waimakariri arts scene, predominantly on the administration side.

A Waimakariri Arts Council trustee since 1991 I created projects such as the Kaiapoi Obelisk Project and Waimakariri Short Story Competition as well as being a founder trustee of the Kaiapoi Art Expo, now in its 19 th year. Since 2015 I have been managing/curating the exhibition programme at Kaiapoi’s Art on the Quay in the Kaiapoi Ruataniwha Civic Centre.

Art enriches communities and creating opportunities for the public to appreciate art means providing more artworks on our streets and landscapes, bringing art outside into the public arena and not just in gallery spaces. The commissioning of public artworks adds identity to our place, increases the well-being of residents and engenders pride in our district. Public artworks become a drawcard for visitors. Waimakariri becomes a better place for all.

Public Art has always inspired me for several reasons, primarily because it contributes to a positive and vibrant community atmosphere. It fosters a sense of belonging and identity among residents, transforming common spaces into engaging environments that encourage interaction and creativity. Additionally, public art serves as a platform for local artists to showcase their work, enriching our cultural landscape and providing opportunities for dialogue around important themes and issues. By enhancing the visual appeal of our surroundings, public art not only uplifts the spirit of the community but also attracts visitors, further supporting local businesses and initiatives.

Public art plays a crucial role in enhancing our district by transforming shared spaces, it encourages engagement and dialogue among residents, making art accessible to all. Public art can also reflect the diverse cultures and histories of a community, enriching the collective narrative and promoting inclusivity.

I am a practicing artist and have transferable skills as an arts consultant. I also help run a voluntary gallery with a community arts programme and enable other creatives. My interest in public arts stems from wanting to know more about places I visit, I always look for opportunities for cultural expression and notice its public absence.

Art and design in the public realm can celebrate stories, identities and perspectives of place and people. Whether that be permanent or temporary or performative these bring a flavour and vibe to public spaces which is very attractive. Such expressions of culture over time reflect the diverse stories of a broad community which is part of placemaking. These stories also help other people feel remembered, visible, understood, informed, inspired and connected. With the right team, considerate public realm art and design can really transform spaces.