28 Jun 2018
Three North Island centres in close proximity are vying to be named New Zealand’s best creative place in this year’s EXCELLENCE Awards for local government.
Creative New Zealand is sponsoring the Best Creative Place award, which is one of five awards offered by Local Government New Zealand to recognise and celebrate the important role local government plays in the lives of New Zealanders.
“We are pleased to be continuing our support for this award because we know the crucial role local authorities have in supporting arts and culture in their communities,” Creative New Zealand senior manager for advocacy David Pannett.
“Access to arts and cultural experiences makes our communities more welcoming, prosperous and inclusive. We would encourage others to consider how the arts can contribute to their communities as evidenced by the award finalists,” he said.
The three finalists are:
- Horowhenua District Council: Foxton’s Te Awahou Nieuwe Stroom is a shared space combining a library, museum, council service centre, visitor information, community exhibition space, and meeting rooms for the preservation and development of the cultural, social and economic heritage of these communities.
Opened in November 2017, it is the result of a collaboration between the council, the Dutch Connection Trust and Te Taitoa Māori o Te Awahou Trust, and tells the story of Māori and other settlers in Horowhenua and the Dutch community in New Zealand. The new space has increased visitor numbers to Foxton and become a catalyst for revitalising for the town.
- Kāpiti Coast District Council: Kāpiti’s Arts Trail is a flagship arts event, which the council has led for the 17 years. This year’s event gives more than 100 local artists the opportunity to welcome the public into their studios. Its focus is on inclusivity, participation and celebrating cultural vibrancy through the district. The trail showcases local artists to the regional and wider community, providing recognition and validation, and income to the arts and the district’s hospitality sector. The trail has grown to be a significant lower-North Island art event.
- Palmerston North City Council: Palmerston North’s Public Art Programme is an integrated suite of initiatives to support the city’s creative sector, build a sense of place, and enhance access to the arts. The programme reflects the council’s aims to have public art contribute to the quality of life in Palmerston North. The city is now promoting its contemporary and public art as one of its key distinctions.
The award winners will be announced on 16 July 2018 at the Fulton Hogan conference dinner and EXCELLENCE Awards function in Christchurch.
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