Arts festival bigger and bolder

Christchurch’s Scape Public Art Festival will run for a longer period than usual this year, with work from local and international artists decorating city streets over summer.

The festival was planned to run for six weeks starting on October 9, but will now run for an additional two weeks from November 19 till January 14.

The festival was downscaled last year, with half the budget and a focus on Kiwi artists only, because of Covid-19.

Scape executive director Deborah McCormick said it was exciting to be able to welcome back international artists this year while also showcasing ‘‘highquality work’’ by Christchurch and New Zealand artists.

On the opening weekend, eight artworks would emerge in the central city, created by Kiwis including Aroha Novak, Janet Lilo, Kate Newby and Sione Monu¯ .

Louise Palmer and Olivia Webb of Christchurch would also showcase their art, along with Beijing-based artist Nabuqi and Korean artist Bona Park.

The 2021 season’s theme, Shadow Cast, was curated by Scape managing curator Jamie Hanton and intended to challenge, provoke and surprise the audience by re-imagining the city and its histories.

Two walkways will be created to showcase the artworks: one staging the eight new artworks through the city’s cultural precinct, Botanic Gardens and Hagley Park, and the other following the city and river paths, focusing on 15 permanent legacy artworks.

The artists were chosen partly because of their ability to respond to the theme.

Their pieces would include installations, performances and video work, McCormick said.

It would be a ‘‘diverse season of excitement and revelation’’.

The new dates coincided with Scape’s public art events over summer, including an education programme, a pop-up exhibition, and gallery openings.