CCC plan for the arts in CHCH
Forum > Rantsby charz 7 Sep 2011 8:53 pm
4 Comments
This evening I took myself along to the CCC meeting in regards to the draft for the central city plan. Although I intend to leave NZ in a few months and see the big wide world, I went along any way to see what they intend this place to be like when I eventually make my way back.
The main sectors covered were green spaces (Avon River etc), transport, market/city/economy and general living / distinctive city etc. (Apologies, I for not having the correct subtitles). Many of the suggestions they had alluded to whimsical ideas funded by large budgets to which there is apparently already 60% of confirmed. The term 'public art(s)' was thrown about with gusto and pushed as being the main avenue for Christchurch artists to have their contribution to the new city.
Some aspects that seem to have been overseen, however, involved that of what I could romantically call the 'lost generation'. There are young arts students graduating this year, who will find a serious shortage of studio spaces, few part time jobs to help them along, exuberant rent for any spaces that are available, as well as an even-smaller-than-usual artistic circle to exhibit within. Certainly, this is a time of opportunity, but aside from initiatives from CPIT and Gap Filler, there seemed to be no short to mid term ideas for the arts in Christchurch.
When I asked the discussion panel 'What is there going to be when I want to come back to Christchuch in twenty years?' the answer seemed to be 'if you care, stick around and do your piece or have your say'. Well, actually, what I was asking was more along the lines of, 'Christchurch has had a poor history of public art. Seeing there is so much public art / public art spaces proposed for the new city, how are you going to ensure that the calibre is higher?' (and, selfishly, worth me coming back...).
The question was avoided ('please submit your ideas for September 16...'), which highlighted for me the reasons why when I graduate, I'm have to leaving (20, 10, hell even 5 years is too long), and why I am unfortunately a tad cynical as to how the arts sector of Christchurch is going to progress. Dialogue between the different areas is essential, but other than that, I felt as if the meeting was only so deep.
So, if you are in Christchurch, and intend to stay (or return), I encourage you to submit your suggestions to the draft plan. While they acknowledge that there will be a transitional phase for the city, the emphasis certainly seemed to focus on the utopian view they have of a good 20 years time.
Ask the hard questions.
/rant.
