Join the Chorus to decorate boxes

TEXT MESSAGES: Chorus is asking local artists to submit designs with local themes. It might be up to interpretation whether the graffiti on this box on Maunu Rd hill a couple of years ago would fit the bill. PHOTO/MICHAEL CUNNINGHAM

They squat on suburban footpaths like large green, metal toads and are sitting targets for tagging that does little to enhance their appearance.

But graffiti as legitimate art is what telecommunications company Chorus is after, taking an artful approach in transforming its broadband boxes from cabinets to canvases.

Local artists are invited to submit designs that could see them commissioned to paint one or more of 10 cabinets in Whangarei. Each selected design will earn a commission of between $750 and $1500, depending on the cabinet size.

Whether the style lends itself to street graffiti or classical art, the artists should base them on local themes. Rolling out the project on Chorus' behalf, arts administration organisation Chart Northland is calling for designs with significance to Whangarei.

"However, the subject matter is quite broad and can be interpreted many ways. They will be looking for interesting and visually appealing interpretations of this theme," project coordinator Megan Bowers-Vette said.

The cabinets earmarked to become art installations can be identified with "Your Art Here" posters on them at Murdoch Cres, Smeaton Dr, Kahiwi St, Ngahere Dr, Kauika Rd, Ridgeway Dr, Spedding Rd, Vinegar Hill Rd, Kiripaka Rd (top of hill), Kiripaka Rd (Whangarei Falls end) and Paramount Parade.

Chorus will make the final decision on what artwork gets to go public on which cabinet, but Ms Bowers-Vette is encouraging entrants to get their applications in soon because the project has a short turnaround time.

Entry forms can be downloaded from www.chartnorth.com, with designs due in by November 20 and selected entrants notified by November 25.

The artists will have three weeks to paint their design on the cabinet appointed to them, with the artwork to be publicly revealed on December 21.

Examples of Chorus' public art project are at www.chorus.co.nz/cabinet-art.