Media release

Draft public art policy available

Posted On: Tuesday, 22 July 2003

Hamilton City Council's draft public arts policy is now available to the public to make submissions on.

Social and community committee chair Pippa Mahood says it is important people have an opportunity to comment on the draft.

"This policy is about setting the city's direction for public art and it is therefore vital that Hamilton understands and supports that direction. There has been a healthy amount of interest in the subject of public art, which I think that is a very positive sign this city is ready for such a policy.

"Being able to appreciate and support public art is a good indication that Hamilton is maturing as a city. Council has taken the matter seriously, and I am pleased to present this draft as the foundation of a thriving public art culture in Hamilton," Cr Mahood says.

Libraries and museum manager Geoff Williams says Council has drawn on a number of sources to ensure the policy is sound.

"Fortunately we are not the first city in the world to adopt a public art policy, and we have been able to draw on 'best practice' examples from other cities. I am very confident that what we are offering Hamilton is a policy that will draw out the unique character of Hamilton, and be a policy that really meets the needs of the greater community."

Drafts are available at Hamilton City Libraries, Waikato Museum of Art and History and Council Building, Garden Place. Submissions must be made by 13 August.