Public Art Heritageis calling on urgent submissions to protect the iconic artworks in and around theCity-to-Sea Bridgeand Te Ngkau Civic Square, Wellington. The public artworks currently under threat are some of the most recognisable artworks in TeWhanganui-a-Tara.In theTe Ngkau Precinct Development Plan now being consulted on, the strengthening and retention of the City-to-Sea Bridge (by artists Paratene Matchitt, Rewi Thompson and John Gray, 1993) isnt presented as an option and is to be demolished. The Council is only consulting on new options to access the waterfront from Te Ngkau. It is also consulting on what it should prioritise during the development of the remaining parts of theprecinct.The retention of the City Gallery Wellington and refurbishment of the Town Hall and Library are already well underway, however, theMichael Fowler Centre byWarren and Mahoney is potentially underthreat.Says Public Art Heritage of the legacy of the Square and surrounding publicartworks:Conceived as a huge outdoor room with its large, purposefully designed bricked area as a gallery/stage floor, public art was at the heart of this vision. Kara Puketapu from theTenths Trust was consulted on the new square and it was decided bi-culturalism would be best reflected in the commissioned artworks by three senior Mori artists working at the height of their powers. Integrated into the precincts design, the resulting works are a tangible connection with the past, and an embodiment of thiskaupapa.Our research has clarified that the entire site encompassing the City-to-Sea Bridge, Te Aho a Maui Capital Discovery Place (including Thompsons elevated plaza maunga and paving that serves as its roof), the steps with Matt Pines Prow and Capital and forecourt of the square can be considered one integrated architectural and sculpturalinstallation.AffectedworksCity-to-Sea Bridge, currently scheduled to be demolished, by Paratene Matchitt, Rewi Thompson & John Gray, 1993.Image: Wood Wall 3 by Tony Hisgett from Birmingham, UKCity-to-Sea Bridge (x1) and connected artworks(x3):Paratene Matchitt,Rewi Thompsonand John Gray, City-to-Sea Bridge(1993)Rewi Thompson, Te Aho a Maui(1991)Matt Pine, Prow & Capital(1992)Athfield Architects, Nikau Palms(1992)The main plaza of Te Ngkau Civic Square showing Toi te Rito Maihis paving work.Image: Canuck85 via Wikipedia CommonsTe Ngkau Civic Square precinct artworks(x6):Toi Te Rito Maihi, title unknown (ptiki whriki pattern in brick work, main part of Civic Square), (c.1991)Neil Dawson, Ferns(1998/2018)Mary-Louise Brown, Seven Steps to Heaven(1999)Bruce Campbell, Axis of the Gate to Serendipity(1997)Alan Hobbs, Pig(1995)Jim Allen (TBC), Gibbs Memorial Fountain(1956)Artist unknown, triptych, Michael Flower Centre.Image: SuppliedMichael Fowler Centre artworks(x4):Gordon Crook, wall hangings(1983)Gordon Crook, banners(1983)Jock McEwen with Prisoners of Rimutaka Prison and Students of Petone (Hutt Valley) Technical Institute, Te Pou o Tauiwi me Te Pou o Wi Tako(1983)Artist unknown, triptych (refer to the image above). (If you have any information about this artwork please contact Public Art Heritage).Public Art Heritage has also reported that, within the Square, Charlotte FishersReflecting Pools (1991), Chris BoothsSilent People (1991) and Robert FrankensThe Sun Sets the Stage to the Day and Naga, Protecting the Ancient Knowledge (both 1992) were also commissioned for the precinct but have since beendecommissioned.How to make asubmissionComplete an online submission form, download a submission form, or collect one from any library. Emailyour submission to[emailprotected]before5pm Wednesday 13 November 2024. You can also send an inquiry for an oral submission via the same emailaddress.Public Art Heritagehas prepareda sample submissionformhere, which can be borrowed from, altered, amended or adapted for furthersubmissions.The Architectural Centre Inc.has been following this closely. Follow@architectural_centre_incon Instagram forupdates.