Council adds support to Anglesea wall art proposal

A proposal for a temporary artwork on Hamilton’s Anglesea Street wall has gained backing from Hamilton City Council.

At its Operations and Activity Performance Committee meeting yesterday, Council voted 11-2 to endorse the proposal, which would see the installation of a “mind map” artwork on the Anglesea Street wall for three months. The “mind map” artwork invites members of the public to make associations and add their ideas through a website or specific location.

The proposed artwork would coincide with the annual Spark Festival and be created by Hamilton artist Kim Paton, a Wintec Visual Arts lecturer and the Ramp Gallery Curator. Council has committed $5000 to the project, from its Public Art Fund, reliant on the project manager finding the remaining funding required for the artwork and testing of the materials on the wall.

Mayor Julie Hardaker says: “People in the city have been talking about using the Anglesea Street wall for an artwork for decades. This is an opportunity to put a spotlight on a unique part of the central city, and do something creative and adventurous.  It’s also a chance to see one of our local artists at work, and I'm excited about seeing the outcome."

If the project proceeds, installation will begin in August.