Revamp for Raglan water reservoir tower
If you’re a Raglan artist, your next canvas could be 240-square metres and over five metres high.
Artists have a chance to have their art stand at the entrance to Waikato’s art capital, as the Raglan water reservoir tower is being stripped of its mural to make way for a new one.
In a “community led project” the Whāingaroa Raglan Destination Management Organisation is asking for expressions of interest from artists to repaint the historic tower, after a community survey with 271 responses revealed a majority agreed it needed a makeover. The current mural is one of two so far that have been painted on the tower since the 1980s. It’s been in place for over 20 years. In 2015, it became the target of graffiti. The paint is also faded, another reason why many in the community feel it’s seen its best years.
With the help of Raglan Naturally, Waikato District Council, and local hapu and iwi, the Whāingaroa Raglan Destination Management Organisation has new plans for the tower.
Project facilitator Jacqueline Anderson said revamping the tower is not just about having a nice picture to look at.
“This project isn’t just about the artwork, it’s about providing a destination where our landscape, our history, our people, and our place can be told,” Anderson said.
“It’s also about maintaining the character of the town and keeping the vibe alive.” Not only is the new mural expected to be finished by November this year, but the green space around the tower will be landscaped, turning into a more user-friendly area.
“Part of the project is that we’re capturing and honouring the artwork that has been here, so we’ve got photos of the art. There will also be some landscaping and signage,” Anderson said.
Storyboards will be put up explaining the origins of the current mural, and honouring the artists behind it, such as Raglan artist Jenny Rhodes, Anderson said. “Then there will be another storyboard telling the narrative about the actual water and where it comes from, because it comes from a natural spring. Then there will be another storyboard telling the story of the new design.”
Expressions of interest close on April 24. Shortlisted artists will receive some financial support towards their final submission, with the successful artist notified on May 29.