With less than a week to go before design entries close, Whakatāne District Council is making one last call for artists to put pen to paper and submit their proposal for the local Keep New Zealand Beautiful mural.

Whakatāne took out the ‘Most Beautiful Towns & Cities Supreme Award 2021’, and to acknowledge this achievement, Council was provided the opportunity to commission an artist to paint a mural in the town; the chosen spot – The Esplanade Mall.  

With the support of Keep New Zealand Beautiful and Resene, Council is keen to hear from creative groups, collectives or individuals interested in designing and painting the mural. 

With next Monday 19th September marking the final day for entries, General Manager Community Experience Georgina Fletcher encourages anyone mulling over whether to enter their design, does just that.

“The mural is going to be a long-lasting reminder of our communities’ collective efforts in taking out Supreme at the Keep New Zealand Beautiful Awards and will also serve as a constant reminder of the need to keep striving to keep our slice of paradise beautiful – so it’s important we get this right.”

“We’re keen for as many design entries as possible, so we know when the judges make the final call, it’s the perfect artwork for the perfect spot.”

“We’re thrilled at the prospect of providing further life and colour to the well-used Esplanade walkway through art, so if you think you have what it takes to bring this blank wall to life, we urge you to put your proposal together and be part of making the Whakatāne CBD even more beautiful.”

Proposals must align with the Keep New Zealand Beautiful Award themes which are Sustainability and Environment. The selected proposal will be judged on environmental messaging, originality, and creative flair. The work, of which will be remunerated, will need to enhance the space in a unique way, and is subject to artist availability and supplied timeframes.

“It is our hope the selected proposal will also include aspects of why Whakatāne was originally selected for the award.”  

Design entries close 5pm on 19th September 2022. The wall is eleven metres wide by four metres high. Design submissions are to be emailed to kim.fort@whakatane.govt.nz and should include the artists full name, phone number, mural title and design rationale. The selected artist of the Most Beautiful Towns & Cities Supreme Awards Mural will be notified on 30th September 2022.

For terms and conditions please see www.whakatane.govt.nz/keepnewzealandbeautiful