The Chorus Cabinet Art Programme is back in Ashburton District and the call is out for design submissions from local artists across the district.

Four Chorus cabinets in Ashburton and one in Methven have been chosen for a makeover and artists are encouraged to get their designs in before the deadline of August 31.

The project was so successful last year, Chorus has partnered with Ashburton District Council again to turn some of their more frequently tagged cabinets into painted in art works.

Chorus Community Relations Manager Jo Seddon says that it makes sense to partner with local councils, as they know their communities best.

“We are really pleased that Ashburton District Council wants to work with us again and we’re really looking forward to seeing what local artists come up with.

“We had some outstanding cabinet murals completed in the region last year, two of which are contenders for the 2023 annual Chorus Cabinet Art Calendar.”

These cabinets become works of art in the street, often telling stories about the communities in which they are located and help to discourage tagging.

Ashburton District Council Chief Executive Hamish Riach says the initiative is a great opportunity for artists to showcase their talents, and is encouraging people to make a submission.

“This is a chance not only to share your work with Mid Canterbury, but also much further afield. The programme is a real win-win for our community. We get to have fantastic artworks in our streetscape that celebrate our people and stories, and also provide work and promotion of our local artists."

Requests for designs are now open until 31 August.  A Council panel will select the finalists before they are submitted to Chorus for final approval. The successful applicants will need to be able to complete the work by 30 March 2023.

Information can be found on Chorus’ dedicated webpage: https://www.chorus.co.nz/community/cabinet-art-programme

All finished art will be included on the Chorus website and will be considered for the 2024 Chorus Cabinet Art calendar, copies of which are sent around the world.

Existing murals can be seen here: https://www.chorus.co.nz/blog/cabinet-art-gallery/