Call out to artists to take part in Fish Out of Water

Artwork painted on a fish in a previous trail. Photo/Supplied

The search is on for 13 artists who will create a unique fish to be released into the inner city streets.

Artists wanting to take part in the 13th Fish Out of Water Trail can 'bid' their idea for a fish.

Jill Walker says it is an annual summer event held have in the city, which is designed to celebrate Rotorua's lakes and fishery.

It involves an arts trail of trout in the inner city during December and January, which members of the public can walk.

Jill says the trail is also set up so people have the opportunity to see murals in the inner city too.

"It's a way to get people having a bit of fun moving around the inner city and for artists to use a different medium to put their creative expression onto."

There are prizes up for grabs, including the People's Choice Award and the Judge's Award.

"It's a cool way for artists to contribute to creating a vibe in the inner city."

She says the businesses who host the fish also play an important part becuase they have to look after the fish, and it helps bring people to their business.

The fish are painted white and re-used. Photo/Supplied

One of the special features of this project is the fish are re-used each year, and at the end of summer are scraped down and re-painted white for the next year's trail and their next transformation.

The call for artists is open until November 9.

Jill says it is open to all, and in the last few years they have had some young talented artists put forward ideas.

She says artists are encouraged to think innovatively and creatively with their ideas.

All bids must be sent in via an entry form available from Rotorua Lakes Council service centre, the Rotorua District Library, the Arts Village or creativerotorua.org.nz.