Tauranga Public Art Wānanga

This day is split into two identical sessions: please select the morning session OR the afternoon session when you register. Please also select whether you will be attending the panel discussion at 4:30pm (note: the panel discussion is only happening once).

To allow more creatives the opportunity to attend, each organisation or collective is limited to two registrations.

Join us for a Public Art Wānanga, designed to equip artists with the practical knowledge and skills to navigate the Tauranga Public Art Fund, deepen understanding of how to engage with mana whenua, and develop strong proposals.

This wānanga brings together panel members with diverse experience in public art to share their expertise in workshops and an interactive panel discussion. Whether you are an emerging artist or an established practitioner, this event offers invaluable insights into creating impactful public art projects.

Morning Session

• 8:30am – Registration and networking
  Arrive, collect your name tag, and grab a tea or coffee before we begin.
• 9:00am – Welcome
  Speaker: Ellie Smith (Arts and Culture Advisor at Tauranga City Council)
  An introduction to the wānanga, the goals of the day, and the role of public art in Tauranga.
• 9:15am – Workshop: Engaging with mana whenua
  Facilitator: Arohanoa Mathews (Contemporary Māori artist and Public Art Panel member)
  A practical session on how to consult with mana whenua when developing public artworks. Learn the key steps for meaningful engagement, integrating tikanga, and fostering partnerships that honour cultural narratives.
• 10:15am – Morning tea
  A short break for refreshments and networking.
• 10:30am – Workshop: How to develop a proposal for a public artwork
  Facilitators: Deborah McCormick (founder of SCAPE Public Art and Public Art Panel member) and Shea O'Neill (creative producer and Public Art Panel member)
  Learn how to craft a strong public art proposal. This workshop covers:
  
  • Conceptual development – Structuring your idea clearly
  • Visualising the concept and site planning – Presenting your work effectively
  • Budgeting and cost breakdowns – Understanding the true cost of public art
  • Contracts and agreements – What to look out for as an artist
  • Supporting materials – Strengthening your proposal with images, CVs, and artist statements
  • Q&A and wrap-up discussion
• 12:30pm – End of session

Afternoon Session

• 1:00pm – Welcome back
  Speaker: Ellie Smith, Arts and Culture Advisor at Tauranga City Council
  An introduction to the wānanga, the goals of the day, and the role of public art in Tauranga.
• 1:15pm – Workshop: Engaging with mana whenua (repeat session)
  Facilitator: Arohanoa Mathews (Contemporary Māori artist and Public Art Panel member)
  A practical session on how to consult with mana whenua when developing public artworks. Learn the key steps for meaningful engagement, integrating tikanga, and fostering partnerships that honour cultural narratives.
• 2:15pm – Afternoon tea
• 2:30pm – Workshop: How to develop a proposal for a public artwork (Repeat session)
  Facilitators: Deborah McCormick (founder of SCAPE Public Art and Public Art Panel member) and Shea O'Neill (creative producer and Public Art Panel member)
  Learn how to craft a strong public art proposal. This workshop covers:
  
  • Conceptual development – Structuring your idea clearly
  • Visualising the concept and site planning – Presenting your work effectively
  • Budgeting and cost breakdowns – Understanding the true cost of public art
  • Contracts and agreements – What to look out for as an artist
  • Supporting materials – Strengthening your proposal with images, CVs, and artist statements
  • Q&A and wrap-up discussion

Panel Discussion

• 4:30pm – Panel discussion and Q&A: Meet the Tauranga Public Art Panel
  Led by Alice Tyler
  Panelists: Deborah McCormick, Arohanoa Mathews, Shea O'Neill, Darcell Apelu, and Alice Tyler
  Get to know the members of the inaugural Tauranga Public Art Panel in this moderated discussion led by Alice Tyler, Public Art Manager at Auckland Council Te Kaunihera o Tāmaki Makaurau. Panellists will share their backgrounds, experiences in public art, and their vision for Tauranga city's public art landscape. This is an opportunity to gain insights into how the panel operates, what they look for in proposals, and how artists can engage with the funding process. Includes an audience Q&A.