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Stadium Fence Art Keeping Dunedin Beautiful

Wednesday 7 April 2010, 1:40PM

By Carisbrook Stadium Trust

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Stadium Fence Art Keeping Dunedin Beautiful
Stadium Fence Art Keeping Dunedin Beautiful Credit: Carisbrook Stadium Trust

DUNEDIN

Q - When is a construction site not a construction site?
A - When it’s also an open air public art gallery.


The latest piece of community art on the fence surrounding the Forsyth Barr Stadium at University Plaza is a larger than life, wildlife montage inspired by native animals found in the Dunedin area.

The mural, painted by local artist, Ange Spears, features a Yellow Eyed Penguin, a Green Jeweled Gecko and a Rainbow Trout and is approximately 9m x 2m.

Ange, who works at the University of Otago, has painted several murals across Otago and Sydney and thinks art is a fantastic way to raise awareness about endangered animals and environmental issues.

“People can look at it, think about it, interpret and appreciate it in their own way. I'd like to see a lot more of it around the city because there are many talented people in Dunedin and it keeps our city beautiful.”

Ange’s mural is one of several around the fence perimeter of Forsyth Barr Stadium and is part of a community project organised by Keep Dunedin Beautiful.

Keep Dunedin Beautiful Coordinator, Darlene Thomson, is pleased with the vibrant and creative responses they’ve received from the community.

“Public art displays, such as Ange’s mural, are a great way to showcase the talent we have right here on our doorstep and also combat graffiti. We encourage citizens to take pride in and care for their environment; projects such as this give individuals and groups the opportunity to make a difference to our city.”

Malcolm Farry, Chairman of the Carisbrook Stadium Charitable Trust is pleased the fence panels are being put to good use.

“The murals really brighten up the fence and the Stadium site. We are really grateful to all the artists for getting behind this fantastic Keep Dunedin Beautiful initiative, and helping us create a world class stadium – even before we’ve opened the doors!”

The Forsyth Barr Stadium is on track for completion in August 2011. The panels will stay in place until the completion of the Stadium construction phase.