Blue neon sculpture for Convention Centre

Renowned New Zealand artist Bill Culbert has been commissioned by the Council to produce a blue neon sculpture for the facade of Christchurch Convention Centre in Kilmore Street.

Culbert has exhibited throughout the world as a sculptor, installation artist and photographer. His work for the Convention Centre, called "Blue", will be the largest neon work he has ever produced for a New Zealand setting.

The neon will be manipulated to form an abstract, linear shape. Held in space by rods and cables, the work will be fitted at the end of next month (July) to the southwest side of the centre's glass facade.

"Blue" was chosen through a limited competition commission by the NCC art committee, which includes Councillor Anna Crighton and the centre's architects from Warren and Mahoney. Culbert's argon neon combined with the steel of the Convention Centre reflect the official millennium colours, blue and silver.

Art and Industry, an arts consultancy and trust, is managing the commission.

For more information please contact Deborah McCormick,
director, Art & Industry,
on 365 7990;
deborah@lynx.co.nz
www.artandindustry.org.nz