CHAIR

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.

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.

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.

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 and my wife, Caroline is an artist. I previously was the holder of the WDC Councillor Art Portfolio.

My background is in education, heritage and public programming, with a particular interest in finding creative ways to connect people with the stories, places and culture around them. In my role at Riccarton House & Bush, I develop and deliver public programmes and events, work in visitor experience, and manage social media and content creation, with a strong focus on making heritage engaging, accessible and relevant to a wide range of audiences.

Creativity has always been an important part of my life, both professionally and personally.  Alongside my work in heritage, I’m a cake artist specialising in hyper-realistic work, and I enjoy the challenge of taking familiar, everyday objects and turning them into something unexpected.

I’m excited to contribute my experience in public engagement, storytelling and creative programming to the Waimakariri Public Arts Trust, and to support projects that make art visible, accessible and part of everyday life in the district.