have been given two minutes to say a few words, but that is plenty as all I want to say is thank you.
Two years ago, we were about to go into lockdown. I got to explore the city. With no cars, no noise and beautiful clear blue skies.
I have a photo collection of street art, which has come to define our city post the trauma of the earthquake.
Len Lye, an inspirational sculptor, took his inspiration for his lifelong love of art, from a moment in time. As a boy he was kicking a kerosene can around the backyard here in this city on a sunny day – he caught a flash of light and he heard a loud clap like thunder. He later said of that moment that he was literally ‘Stopped Short by Wonder”!
I want to pay tribute to everyone who has created the opportunity for us all to be stopped short by wonder.
Thank you to all the local artists, those who have come from all around New Zealand and Japan. Thank you to the whole team, the volunteers – for the mentoring, creative thinking, connecting, improvising – I am in awe of you all.
And finally a huge thank you to the SALT District and ARCC (Arts Reaction Christchurch Central) and all the sponsors who have ignited the Flare Street Art Festival.
Two years ago, we were about to go into lockdown. I got to explore the city. With no cars, no noise and beautiful clear blue skies.
I have a photo collection of street art, which has come to define our city post the trauma of the earthquake.
Len Lye, an inspirational sculptor, took his inspiration for his lifelong love of art, from a moment in time. As a boy he was kicking a kerosene can around the backyard here in this city on a sunny day – he caught a flash of light and he heard a loud clap like thunder. He later said of that moment that he was literally ‘Stopped Short by Wonder”!
I want to pay tribute to everyone who has created the opportunity for us all to be stopped short by wonder.
Thank you to all the local artists, those who have come from all around New Zealand and Japan. Thank you to the whole team, the volunteers – for the mentoring, creative thinking, connecting, improvising – I am in awe of you all.
And finally a huge thank you to the SALT District and ARCC (Arts Reaction Christchurch Central) and all the sponsors who have ignited the Flare Street Art Festival.