Tauranga Public Art Wānanga

Join us for a Public Art Wānanga, designed to equip artists with 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.

This day is split into two identical sessions: please select either the morning OR afternoon when registering, and also indicate if you will attend the panel discussion at 4:30pm (held once).

MORNING
8:30am – Registration & networking
Arrive, collect your name tag, and grab a tea or coffee before we begin.

900am – Welcome
Speaker: Ellie Smith (Arts & 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 & Public Art Panel member)
A practical session consulting with mana whenua when developing public artworks. Learn key steps for meaningful engagement, integrating tikanga, and fostering partnerships that honour cultural narratives.

10:15am – Morning tea

10:30am – Workshop: How to develop a proposal for a public artwork
Facilitators: Deborah McCormick (founder of SCAPE Public Art & Public Art Panel member) & Shea O'Neill (creative producer & Public Art Panel member)
Learn to craft a strong public art proposal. This workshop covers:

*Conceptual development: Structuring your idea clearly
*Visualising the concept & site planning: Presenting your work effectively
*Budgeting & cost breakdowns: Understanding the true cost of public art
*Contracts & agreements: What to look out for as an artist
*Supporting materials: Strengthening your proposal with images, CVs, and artist statements
*Q&A & wrap-up discussion

12:30pm – End of session

AFTERNOON
1:00pm – Welcome back
Speaker: Ellie Smith (Arts & 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 & Public Art Panel member)
A practical session on consulting 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 & Public Art Panel member) & Shea O'Neill (creative producer & 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 & site planning: Presenting your work effectively
*Budgeting & cost breakdowns: Understanding the true cost of public art
*Contracts & agreements: What to look out for as an artist
*Supporting materials: Strengthening your proposal with images, CVs, and artist statements
*Q&A & wrap-up discussion

PANEL DISCUSSION + Q&A
4:30pm – Meet the Tauranga Public Art Panel
Led by Alice Tyler.
Panellists: Deborah McCormick, Arohanoa Mathews, Shea O'Neill, Darcell Apelu, and Alice Tyler

Meet the inaugural Tauranga Public Art Panel members 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 audience Q&A.