Who should pay for them? Should Christchurch be known as a city of public art?

A public debate will be held next month to try to answer these questions and to discuss the benefits and role of public art in Christchurch.

Sponsored by the City Council, the debate will be chaired by David McPhail and will feature a strong lineup of speakers and panellists.

Among those taking part as speakers or debaters are: Judith Tizard, the Associate Minister of Arts, Culture and Heritage; Creative NZ chairperson Peter Biggs; City Councillor Paddy Austin; John Coley, the former Director of the Robert McDougall Art Gallery; architect Peter Beaven; Radio NZ broadcaster Sean Plunket; author Jim Hopkins; sculptor and artist Sam Mahon, and lawyer Cath Dalziel.

The Great Public Art Debate will be held at the Christchurch Convention Centre at 7.30pm on Thursday, 18 April. The cost is $15. Tickets are available from the Centre of Contemporary Art (CoCA) in Gloucester Street. Phone 366 7261 - www.coca.org.nz