Students sand art attracts crowd

The Design and Arts College of New Zealand (D&A) kick started their events calendar with a unique event in 2011 with its annual Sand Sculpture Competition on New Brighton beach on Thursday 27th January 2011. The competition was run as part of their 2011 Orientation which began on Monday 24th.

Students from each department competed against each other to create a three dimensional sculpture constructed with sand. The competition encourages student and staff involvement and is a great opportunity for departments to work together and create something unique.

Around 200 students and staff were involved in the popular event with Architectural Design students winning the much sought after Sand Sculpture Trophy. Each sand sculpture had to be constructed within a 5 meter squared area and be at least one metre high at one point. This years sand sculptures were to be inspired by each departments chosen course and included a tower styled building, a fashion catwalk display and a Ron Mueck vs Easter Island inspired sculpture.

“D&A’s sand sculpture competition is in its eleventh year and is always a huge success. It is a great way for new students to meet others in a social environment, whilst taking part in something that utilises their creative skills. It is also great to see the community turning out to see how creatively talented our students are, it always attracts a crowd” says Kylie Morell, D&A's Student and Industry Liaison, "This years sculptures were particularly impressive which made it very hard for the judges to decide on one winner".

Special judges included Christchurch City Councillor Yani Johanson, Architect Cymon Allfrey and Phillippa Jacobs of Mega Advertising.