Art is communication, expression. It can enhance our environment, capture the spirit of the human experience, shape culture, challenge and transform society.
Public art is available to everyone and comes in many forms such as murals, sculptures, mahi toi, digital installations, light works, land art, site-specific installations and more transitory forms such as performance art. In its essence, public art is any artwork within a public realm, regardless of whether it is situated on public or private property, or whether it has been created or commissioned with public or private money.
Across Tauranga Moana, public art helps give a sense of identity and belonging; it contributes to our city being a vibrant and interesting place to live. It also contributes to the local economy by giving employment and income to local creatives and suppliers, and by contributing to our reputation as a tourist destination.
Tauranga City Council has a range of public art projects and initiatives to support the creation of public art.
Public Art Framework
Recognising the role that art can play in creating economic, social and cultural wellbeing, we’ve developed a guiding document for Public Art. The intention of this Public Art Framework is to support community and council-led projects, growing a Public Art Collection that can be enjoyed by the whole community.
Public Art Framework (7.7mb pdf)
Public Art Community Toolkit
For anyone interested in creating or commissioning public art, we’ve created the Public Art Community Toolkit, a free and practical resource.
Public Art Framework Toolkit (10.3mb pdf)
Public Art Fund
The Public Art Fund is our dedicated fund for public art, for more information or to apply to the fund.
Public Art Fund
Public Art Collection
To view our city centre’s public art collection, visit the City Art Walk Tauranga website or download the City Art Walk Tauranga app for free from the App Store or Google Play.
City Art Walk Tauranga
Public Art Panel
The Public Art Panel is made up of a group of independent experts who advise Tauranga City Council on matters of public art. Their primary role is assessing applications to the Public Art Fund and advising Council on their funding recommendations. Panellists serve a term of three years, and the inaugural Public Art Panel members are Darcell Apelu, Deborah McCormick (Chair), Shea O’Neill, Kereama Taepa and Alice Tyler. Te Rangapū Mana Whenua o Tauranga Moana are represented on the Panel by Creative Bay of Plenty’s Ngā Toi Māori Navigator, Arohanoa Mathews.