Thank the late Post man
Piers Fuller
One of the national museum’s most accessible and visible installations is going to be around for a lot longer.
A local family has stepped up to fund the 4 Plinth Sculpture Award on Wellington’s waterfront esplanade near the entrance to Te Papa Tongarewa.
In announcing the new sponsorship, the Wellington Sculpture Trust has also revealed images of the next sculptural installation set to grace the prominent site.
Giant colourful origami inspired figures by a Hawke’s Bay artist will replace Yolunda Hickman’s current display early next year.
The Post family has committed to providing $50,000 for the installation every two years in honour of the late Collin Post who died in 2019.
Post was a prominent Wellington businessman and lover of the arts, particularly sculpture.
His son, Charles Post, said his father had long been a supporter of the arts in the region and the family wanted to do something for Wellington that reflected his passion.
‘‘That was his thing, he liked to go to events, and he liked to have the city looking cool and beautiful, and he knew that sculpture was a good way to do that.
‘‘He’d be really excited that this location was an ongoing and enduring thing that provided a series of people that opportunity to have their work displayed.
‘‘Both my sister Emma and I share this support, and we’re delighted to honour our father in this way.’’
Post said they had committed to funding the award for at least the next six years and would consider extending beyond that period.
Wellington Sculpture Trust chairwoman Sue Elliott described Post as a stalwart of the trust for many years.
‘‘He was a true friend and always showed a great deal of interest in our projects and events, and could be relied upon to be there to support us and our artists.
‘‘We were very saddened by his sudden passing in September, 2019.’’
Elliott said the aim of the project was, through temporary works, to showcase sculptural practice, and to provide a site that gave maximum engagement for the public.
‘‘A platform both figuratively and literally for artists to work in a public space.’’
The Collin Post award of $50,000 was the commission for each round of sculpture, an increase of $10,000 in award money.
The 4 Plinth Sculptures have been a favourite attraction for many waterfront visitors over the past 15 years.
A proportion of the commission for the sculptures, which were refreshed every two years, was borne by Wellington City ratepayers through an arts grant to the Sculpture Trust.
Historically half of their $35,000 council grant was set aside for this installation, but with this new funding support the council funding could be used for more new works for the city, Elliott said.
The Post family was also sponsoring an annual $25,000 arts scholarship for a student of sculpture at Massey University of Wellington.
The next winner of the 4 Plinth Award is Hawke’s Baybased sculptor Ben Pearce.
His installation, #Paper Pals Aotearoa, will consist of four larger-than-life origami style animals – one on each plinth.
‘‘Thinking upon recent times and the heavy burdens we have carried as a species I felt a lighthearted, humorous, gentle, playful, all-age approach would suit this project – a work to make people smile,’’ Pearce said.