Our public art programme

Supporting and encouraging a culture of creativity and innovation promotes our sense of community, civic pride, and distinctive identity, and celebrates the whakapapa and history of mana whenua, tangata whenua and cultural identity through ngā toi Māori (Māori culture, creativity and arts).

Our public art is exhibited indoors in public buildings, and installed or created outdoors, often as part of our outdoor structures.

They include major artworks commissioned by Council, artist-designed elements integrated into Council developments, or community-led projects such as murals or temporary installations.

Our Public Art Programme sets out our general programme, but opportunities for artworks/installations come up regularly, and we work to respond to these in a flexible way. Some projects also may take more time or may be delayed.  

Council approved the last Public Art Programme 2018/19–22/23, which is reviewed annually by Council staff and the Public Art Panel. Council also completed a Creativity Map in October 2023, and this will be the basis for a new programme in 2024, following adoption of the Culture and Creativity strategy and action plan (in development). The map and the strategy will reflect our conversations with and feedback from the community about what public art they would like to see in Kāpiti.

Our Public Art Panel is key to shaping the programme, providing expert strategic advice to Council, assisting and advising on our public art programme, and commissioning major public artworks. Find out more about their role and members on our Public Art Panel page.

By encouraging, providing and managing public art, Council aims to:

• promote Kāpiti Coast District's sense of community, civic pride and distinctive identity
• acknowledge and celebrate the whakapapa and history of mana whenua and tangata whenua cultural identity through ngā toi Māori
• provide opportunities for artists to work in and with communities in public places
• encourage a culture of creativity and innovation in our community, adding to people's understanding and enjoyment of art, and introducing work from noted artists living and/or working outside Kāpiti
• contribute significantly to developing cultural tourism and economic development in Kāpiti
• acknowledge and celebrate Kāpiti’s diverse communities
• provide opportunities for young people to lead or be involved in creating public art
• integrate public art into public space design, including town centres, facilities and open spaces.

Council staff manage the Council’s public art programme, facilitate engagement, and provide support to the Public Art Panel.