Cabinet art brightens Napier streets

Published: 4 November 2021

Another Napier Chorus cabinet has been given a makeover, with four more due before the end of summer.

Local artist Becky McEwen has created a mural on Osier Road that celebrates native birdlife in Aotearoa, using fun and appealing whimsical bright colours.

”I chose the Kōkako as they are an endangered species and usually less commonly favoured to feature in artwork than more popular bird choices,” she says.

Entitled Kevin the Kōkako, the mural also includes a bumblebee, which Becky says is a nod to their importance as pollinators of our summer gardens, wildflowers and crops.

Napier Mayor Kirsten Wise says she’s always keen to see more artwork appear around Napier’s streets and the Chorus initiative has proven to be a real asset to the city.

“The murals certainly add to the streetscape and turn what are otherwise rather dull looking telecommunications equipment into works of art,” she said.  

“They are an excellent small-scale project for our City’s creatives and benefit us by placing artwork into our urban environments. We’re really proud to be part of the initiative.”

Chorus Stakeholder Communications Manager Jo Seddon says it has been wonderful to work with Napier District Council once again.

“It’s very rewarding seeing the creativity that Napier artists have to offer come to life on our cabinets,” she said.

One of last year’s murals came very close in the popular vote within Chorus that each year chooses the 12 murals to feature in the annual Cabinet Art Calendar.

“Living the Dream by Sune Malot was a very strong contender and was just pipped at the post. However we loved it so much that we included it in our ‘Honourable Mentions’ on the inside front cover,” Mrs Seddon said.

Existing murals can be seen here:

https://blog.chorus.co.nz/cabinet-art-gallery/

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