With 2020 set to be remembered as one of the most difficult years in New Zealand history for those in the arts industry, supporting local artists is more vital than ever.
That’s why oOh!media has partnered with the Urban Art Foundation for a new campaign that enables finalists in one of the country’s longest surviving art awards, Wallace Art Awards, to have their works showcased on public thoroughfares around the country.
Works from artists Russ Flatt, Andrea Gardner, Brit Bunkley, Carmen Simmonds, Richard Darbyshire, Rosie Parsonson, Maryrose Crook, Kate van der Drift, Scott Gardiner, Darryn George and EDWARDS+JOHANN will be displayed across oOh!’s Street Furniture and Retail networks nationally over the next six weeks as part of the exhibition.
Nick Vile, oOh!media New Zealand’s General Manager, says he is proud to support the iconic awards as part of oOh!’s partnership with Urban Art Foundation.
“For the last three years, our relationship with Urban Art Foundation has been focused on bringing art to the public, so it’s great to be able to showcase works from such a diverse, committed and talented group of artists to the community, via our digital networks.”
Andrew Hagen, Creative Director of The Urban Art Foundation says: “Galleries have been closed, exhibitions delayed or cancelled, and the artists themselves have at times found it impossible to get the necessary supplies to be able to create.
“Support for our artists at this time is therefore absolutely crucial, and in years to come when we look back at this period of our history, we will see the vast range of emotions caused by the pandemic reflected in their work.”
The Manager of the Wallace Arts Centre, Matthew Wood, adds that oOh!’s extensive network is the perfect platform to display the diverse and powerful works of art.
“We are so pleased to be able to share these outstanding examples of contemporary New Zealand art with communities all around the country and continue to foster, honour and support our visual artists in what has been a really tough year.”