24/03/2020
Kia ora from Christchurch!
Wow so ‘now’ is pretty full on! We are living in a new-norm that is unlike anything we have known. It’s hard to think of much else, other than COVID-19.
And yet, we Cantabrians know better than most, that new-norms that come out of a crisis, don’t last forever. Time passes and eventually life goes back to more or less what it was.
Wild in Art is made up of teams of people living in the UK, Australia and New Zealand who are going through this journey together. Schools shutting, working from home, wondering where all the toilet rolls have gone and missing a hug from a friend.
We are dealing with the now as best as we can, but we’re also looking to the future when once again communities are out and about, sharing fun and colourful experiences, like Pop Up Penguins.
Our Pop Up Penguins are due to go out on the streets and parks for Christchurch in mid-September, and until we feel that’s not possible, we are sticking to that plan. In fact, we think it’s more important than ever to plan events for our city to enjoy, on the other side of this crisis, which will end. Our sculpture trail will encourage people to get outside, enjoy the fresh air, take pictures of wonderfully imaginative pieces of art, share stories with friends and at the end raise money to support Cholmondeley.
We are so grateful to our partners and sponsors who are investing in the project to make it a super special success. And we are thrilled to see lots of wonderful designs from artists being submitted through our website (you still have time!). Fifty schools from across the city have signed up to take part in our Learning Programme and we still have 15 sculptures left if your school would like to be involved.
We may have to adapt the way we do things in the next six months as we prepare for the trail, but we’re flexible and determined to deliver a joyful public art display that can be experienced by all.
Please stay healthy, wash your hands, follow what our government are telling us to do and get active on social media where we can all encourage each other to stay positive and hopeful for the end of COVID-19.
And to remind you of what is to come, here’s Hayden Broadbelt, South Island Regional Manager of Harcourts Real Estate New Zealand, our Presenting Partner, having some fun at a recent visit to the International Antarctic Centre, one of our Learning Programme Partners. Such an amazing place to learn about penguins and the Antarctic.
We’re working on some Pop Up Penguins themed fun for families to share whilst we’re on lockdown, so keep checking in for updates here and on our website over the coming weeks, and we look forward to introducing you to the penguins soon!
Kia kaha
