SCAPE Public Art

07/10/2026

Last chance to see the 2026 SCAPE Aspiring Artist Competition finalist models at Tūranga! 🏆

📍 Tūranga
📅 Finalist models on display until 11 October
The winning sculptures will remain on display at Tūranga, Level 1.

After 11 October, the finalist works will head out into the community.

📍 Linwood Community Library
📍 Upper Riccarton Community Library
📅 27 October – 23 November

Half of the finalist models will be displayed at each library, in partnership with Christchurch City Libraries.

Christchurch City Libraries
Christchurch City Council

01/10/2026

"People will see something unexpected ... It might just be something that interrupts their daily routine" - SCAPE Managing Curator Aaron Kreisler is working with artists on a few surprises for Christchurch, starting in late October. Read more in The Star News Christchurch:

The Star (Christchurch)

25/09/2026

Fabulous work by the winners and finalists of SCAPE's Aspiring Artist competition, on display now at Turanga. Don't miss it! Special thanks for Christchurch City Libraries - we ❤️ working with you to develop and promote public art by kids. Follow the footprints on Level 1 at Turanga to find the exhibition.

Thanks to the following local businesses who gifted time and materials to bring the artworks to fruition: Lewis Bradford Consulting Engineers, Art Fe'tiche Studio, Accessman Group, Dominion Constructors Ltd, Angus Ceilings, and Prime Kitchens NZ.

https://www.newsline.ccc.govt.nz/news/story/young-talent-takes-centre-stage-at-this-years-scape-public-art

photo by Heather Joy Photographs

23/08/2026

23/08/2026

A great time was had at our annual mid-year industry networking event at Dux Central. It's a chance to thank all the fabricators, advisers, engineers, and creative problem solvers of all types: it takes a whole team to turn an artist's wild ideas into reality.

Special thanks to Kelsie Inglis of Publica for your lucid summary of the strategic brand research work you've done for SCAPE.
Thanks to Ryora Studio for gifting the photography of the evening.

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.