Graffiti artists will get to make legitimate splash in public

Graffiti artists have the chance to create a legitimate mural on a Hastings wall through a new competition.
The Keep it Legit - Spray Art Challenge aims to give aerosol artists a chance to create legitimate artworks for public display.
"Graffiti artists are being encouraged to showcase their skills by submitting a positive design that is much more than just a 'tag'," Hastings District Council environment-enhancement officer Jacqui Davis said.
Artists can enter a canvas of their work in the competition, which will be displayed at Te Ao Marama, on Karamu Rd, from August 22 to 27. The winner will be chosen by public vote and a judging panel and can recreate the design in a public place.
"True graffiti art is provocative, appealing, bold and uncompromising," Ms Davis said.
"Keep it Legit is a way of allowing these artists to showcase their work to the public in an acceptable way."
The challenge opened today, with canvases available from the Hastings City Art Gallery. Entries close on August 19 and the winners are announced on Friday, September 2.
Artists also can make their mark on eight traffic-light boxes around the city, in the Paint 8 project.
Murals depicting city life will be painted on the boxes, in a continuation of a mural project which began last year.
Design entries must represent set themes, including the history, physical character or people who use the location, landscape, flora and fauna, Keep Hastings Beautiful, cultural character and community pride.
"The eight traffic-light control boxes will take on a completely new look once they are painted and the murals will add another splash of colour to Hastings streetscape," Ms Davis said.
Entries will be judged by a panel including Deputy Mayor Cynthia Bowers, Hastings City Art Gallery Director Maree Mills and Council Parks and Properties Assets Manager, Colin Hosford.
Ideas for the murals can be presented from today and the work is expected to be completed by September 16.
For more information, see www.keephastingsbeautiful.co.nz