NEWS RELEASE

March 2009

headland SCULPTURE ON THE GULF draws record visitors

headland SCULPTURE ON THE GULF Waiheke Island 2009, New Zealand’s leading outdoor sculpture exhibition attracted a record 24,000 visitors during the three week exhibition.

Twenty six sculptures were exhibited along the two kilometre coastal walkway from Matiatia to Church Bay on Waiheke Island.  Art visitors, both dedicated art enthusiasts to the broader community, seek a journey of discovery and an opportunity to learn and be enriched.  “One of the most fascinating times was being on the walkway and hearing the responses from those walking along,” says Project Director, Dilys Grant.  “headland SCULPTURE ON THE GULF always has a strong surprise element. Many comments were made about the placement of sculptures and how art works appeared to have been placed in just the right position.  Visitors cannot predict what they might see on the exhibition walkway or even what they might see next as they walk along. People look and discover, and then talk about the sculptures and decide what they like or don’t like. This is the strength of the exhibition.”

Auckland-based sculptor, Lucy Bucknall, won the Fullers People’s Choice award for her work Special Forces on Patrol. The phosphor bronze meerkat soldiers surprised and delighted young and old on the sculpture walkway. Over 10,000 votes were made in the People’s Choice. The winner of a night stay at The Boatshed on Waiheke Island was also drawn from the voting entries.

“We were particularly delighted with our new initiative the School’s Programme this year. Nearly 500 local children responded enthusiastically to the exhibition and the activities that we organised for them” says Dilys Grant.

Local businesses benefited with the headland visitors enjoying Waiheke after visiting headland. Every communication sent out about headland SCULPTURE ON THE GULF also emphasised exploring the island cafes, restaurants and beaches. There was significant economic benefit to the whole community.

“headland SCULPTURE ON THE GULF is a wonderful means, not only to attract visitors to the beautiful island of Waiheke, but to invoke thoughtfulness and stir the senses of creativity in every curious mind. The sculpture event, was certainly well attended and our traffic numbers certainly increased during the three weeks of the event,” says Jacquie de Wet, from Waiheke Shipping.

“Thanks to the artists, organisers and volunteers who dedicated their hard work and energy into providing in excess of 24,000 visitors with a fantastic journey around the coast of this beautiful island,” says Councillor Greg Moyle, chairperson of the Arts, Culture and recreation Committee of Auckland City Council at the award event as headland finished after another very successful exhibition.

Ends