Churchill Fellowship allows council arts officer to explore public art development overseas

Rotorua District Council community arts officer Kiri Jarden leaves for the United Kingdom and Ireland next month to explore those countries' approach to developing public arts.

Ms Jarden is a recipient of a Winston Churchill Fellowship, which will pay for travel and accommodation costs during her month long investigation.

She says it is a great opportunity to meet with a wide range of private and public organisations, as well as artists and other people who specialise in public art.

"I will be looking at how we can further develop and improve Rotorua's public arts programme – from graffiti projects and integrated artworks, to large monuments and memorials, and temporary installations and presentations.”

Ms Jarden says Rotorua has experienced some groundbreaking developments in community and public arts programmes, relying on first hand experiences and close relationships built with other arts managers around New Zealand.

"It's fantastic to be in a position now to extend those networks to the UK and Ireland. Previously we have only gleaned information from websites and articles, without the nuances and depth of understanding that ‘kanohi ki te kanohi’ (face to face) meetings can bring.

“Exciting times are ahead for local art.”

Ms Jarden leaves for her United Kingdom and Ireland public arts investigation tour on Thursday 13 May. People interested in following her progress can do so on her blog at www.public-arts.blogspot.com