01 Jul 2014
The SCAPE Public Art Trust of Christchurch has launched a funding initiative to meet the final cost of installing a spectacular Neil Dawson sculpture, Fanfare, at the city’s gateway beside the northern motorway by the end of the year.
Fanfare will be New Zealand’s largest public artwork, 24 metres high and weighing 25 tonnes, and featuring 360 wind-powered pinwheels able to be lit up on festive occasions.
SCAPE Public Art Director, Deborah McCormick, said all but $360,000 of the $3.3 million needed to install the sculpture has already been raised and the latest initiative is intended to cover the final portion.
“People and businesses can join our Fan Club and contribute set amounts from $1,000, $3,000 and $5,000, with a range of benefits and privileges, or donate any amount they wish. Supporters will have a share in an iconic sculptural legacy for the city and make a unique contribution to our changing future landscape.” Deborah McCormick said.
Fanfare was made by Christchurch sculptor Neil Dawson for the City of Sydney to celebrate New Year in 2005 and was displayed hanging from the city’s harbour bridge.
It was later gifted by the City of Sydney to the Christchurch City Council, which partnered with SCAPE Public Art to re-assemble the sculpture and raise funds to pay for its new installation.
The sculptor has produced other large-scale sculptures, including Chalice in Cathedral Square, Christchurch, Ferns in Civic Square, Wellington and Feather from Afar in the International Finance Centre, Pudong, Shanghai.
Neil Dawson said he was delighted that Fanfare has returned to feature prominently in his home city.
It will be erected on a prominent site at Chaney’s Corner on the northern edge of Christchurch, creating a welcoming and impressive entrance to the city.
For more details on the project and how to donate to the Fanfare installation, visit scapebiennial.org.nz
Questions & Answers
What is SCAPE Public Art?
SCAPE Public Art installs free-to-view large scale contemporary public art in Christchurch. It has done this for 16 years and is the most prolific producer of new contemporary works of public art in New Zealand.
What is Fanfare?
Fanfare is a huge public sculpture, 20 metres in diameter and 24 metres high with 360 wind-powered “pinwheels” over its surface, each able to be lit for night display. It will be New Zealand’s largest public sculpture and elevate Canterbury to the global arts stage in recognition of a unique and spectacular piece of public sculpture.
What is SCAPE Public Art’s role in Fanfare?
SCAPE Public Art is working with sculptor Neil Dawson and the Christchurch City Council to make the installation a success, including site selection, approvals, sponsorship and fundraising, production of a book, marketing, publicity, community engagement and project management. The council has donated $350,000 towards the $3.3 million total cost of installation.
What is the Fanfare Fan Club, Heroes, Stars, Fans?
The Fan Club is an opportunity to support Fanfare and become a Hero Club Member at $5,000, a Star Club Member at $3,000 or a Fan Club Member at $1,000. Each member level has unique benefits including acknowledgement on site signage, invitations to special events, and other incentives.
How do I support Fanfare and join the Fan Club?
You can visit the Fanfare page of the SCAPE Public Art website for details on how to become a Fan Club Member and donate via PayPal, Internet Banking or Credit Card, or post a donation. Please note that you do not have to become a Fan Club Member to support Fanfare and SCAPE Public Art will accept donations of any size. For more information go to scapebiennial.org.nz or www.fanfare.co.nz
For media comment and high-resolution imagery please contact:
Deborah McCormick, Director, SCAPE Public Art
Tel: +64 (0)3 365 7990
Mob: +64 (0)27 280 9557
E: deborah@scapepublicart.org.nz
CATEGORIES: Community arts Latest news and blog
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