SCAPE Public Art

19/06/2026

hey, Aspiring Artists! Reminder that if you're aged 5-18 years and live in Waitaha Canterbury, SCAPE's Aspiring Artist competition is open now. But only for another two weeks.

The brief: design a piece of public art in response to one of SCAPE's permanent sculptures. It's a challenge for your skills of observation, reflection, and interpretation. We have top tips on our website. 💥

The prize: SCAPE and its industry partners will bring two winning designs to life! Finalists will be invited to special workshops to create models of their designs. All of these will be part of an exhibition with special opening celebrations. 🎉

The deadline: Friday 3 July.⏰
Get all the details and enter here: https://www.scapepublicart.org.nz/project/aspiring-artists-competition/
You can do it! 💪

Photos are from SCAPE workshops in schools this term - the kids are super-engaged in their designs.

27/05/2026

We're delighted to announce that Aaron Kreisler is SCAPE's new curator for 2026-27. Aaron is also Head of Creative and Digital Arts at the University of Canterbury. Which is a beautiful synergy.
He is the former head of Ilam School of Fine Arts, and was previously curator at Dunedin Public Art Gallery where he produced more than 50 exhibitions, including international collaborations such as Artists from Aotearoa/New Zealand with a co-curator from the Frankfurter Kunstverein and Where do I end and you begin, with co-curators from Edinburgh’s City Art Centre.
Now that Aaron is now part of our team, we'll start to connect artists with industry. Who knows what public art surprises will ensue.

27/04/2026

After a super busy weekend with stadium-goers, we're giving a shout out to everyone at Dux Central .
Here's a little-known fact: they are kind and generous sponsors of SCAPE Public Art, supporting us with a tab so we can host potential sponsors and visiting artists. From one long-standing Christchurch icon to another: we're deeply grateful, and we hope you get some rest!

20/04/2026

We're loving this art by pupils of Te Kāpehu Riccarton School 😍
In term one, we delivered a SCAPE in Schools workshop at Te Kāpehu, responding to Sēmisi Fetokai Potauaine's sculpture VAKA 'A HINA.

Today we want to thank Beca for its regular support of SCAPE's education programmes - your support empowers children, develops their confidence, and stretches their creative thinking. Thanks Beca ! 🫶

VAKA 'A HINA is located in Rauora Park.

19/04/2026

Last week we popped into Bell, Lamb & Trotter Funeral Directors with a presentation poster to thank them for their steady support. They've helped produce 29 artworks and counting.

26/03/2026

Wondering where the winning public art in our SCAPE aspiring artists competition goes after the SCAPE Season? In recent years, winners have opted for Climate Action Campus, Ōtautahi so that many more kids can engage with them. If you have children in your life who have never been to the Climate Action Campus, maybe talk to your teacher - it's a super cool space for learning, creative expression, and empowerment in the face of global challenges.

26/03/2026

Congratulations to on winning the Zonta Ashburton Women's Art Award 2026. Another SCAPE artist alumna in the long line of worthy winners.

Congrats to who has won this year’s premier award at the Zonta Ashburton Women’s Art Awards with her colourful work dreamchaser.

Beneath the painted surface, the support of this work is a weighty industrial shipping pallet and the judges said Miranda’s entry stood out from the start.

Award winners were announced earlier this month at Rokowhiria, the Ashburton Art Gallery and Museum, which is now hosting an exhibition of entries in the awards.

Director Shirin Khosraviani said she was heartened to see the awards reach a 10-year milestone, and it remained unique in New Zealand for its focus solely on emerging to mid-career women artists.
👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

18/03/2026

SCAPE's art walks invite you to slow down and notice, take a second look.

Coming Up: discover stories hidden in plain sight, on Sunday 29 March, 10.30am, for the 2026 Christchurch Walking Festival. Limited numbers. $5 per person.
Register now at www.scapepublicart.org.nz/events

In the video: guided walk of temporary sculptures.

17/03/2026

Looking forward to our new SCAPE Art Walk as part of The Walking Festival. Sunday 29 March, 10.30am-12pm. Register now via www.scapepublicart.org.nz/events Meanwhile, enjoy this video of SCAPE's Season 2025 walk, by Crafted Content. 👇