New Christchurch Art Gallery programmes consider a city in transition

The possibilities for a city in transition will be considered in 'Re:actions for the city' – a new series of public events from Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetu.

The series includes presentations by a range of international and local figures specialising in architecture and urbanism, and will be taking place at CPIT from 21 April to 3 May. The programme is one of the Gallery’s ongoing initiatives to take art to the public while its building remains closed.

The Re:actions for the city public programme will consider the challenges and opportunities currently facing Christchurch, including temporary and portable architecture, urbanism, heritage and revitalisation, says Christchurch Art Gallery deputy director, Blair Jackson.

“This is a chance to stimulate public discussion, and, more than a year after the events of 22 February 2012, will hopefully motivate and inspire people.”

The weekend of lectures on 21 and 22 April will include a talk by Shigeru Ban, in association with the ChristChurch Cathedral. He will focus on his works including natural disaster relief projects, and will present his design for the Cardboard Cathedral. Mark Burry’s lecture New onto old: are there lessons for Christchurch from Gaudi's Temple Sagrada Familia, Barcelona?, will introduce his project and explore its relevance for considering Christchurch's heritage in the post-earthquake environment.

A panel discussion on Thursday 3 May where local and international contributors will stimulate a public discussion on Tools for the Transitional City. The panelists discussing DIY urbanism, temporary, micro, prefabricated and portable architecture are Dr Lee Stickells (University of Sydney), Dr Ryan Reynolds (Gap Filler) and Daniel Godden (Christchurch developer).

For a full programme outline please visit  www.christchurchartgallery.org.nz