Calling all artists – it’s Chorus cabinet time

A brightly coloured artwork that transformed a grey telecommunications cabinet in Old Renwick Road was a family project that spanned the generations.

Mel Price’s Precious Pollinators, a joint project with her granddaughter Lucia Bothwell, was one of seven murals painted in Marlborough for the Chorus cabinet art initiative last year.

Council is now looking for artists to submit designs for the nine sites confirmed in this year’s initiative.

Mel said she submitted the concept design with the intention of turning it into an intergenerational project, that she and her granddaughter, Lucia, could paint together.

“When we discovered that we had won the chance to paint a Chorus Cabinet, we were thrilled,” she said. “Our design depicts a honey pot and showcases a bee diligently collecting pollen from Manuka flowers.”

The pair spent a weekend transforming the cabinet and Mel said it was a great opportunity to teach Lucia new skills.

“She gained confidence in her abilities as we worked side by side,” said Mel. “We involved the homeowner where the box was located who was very complimentary about the new artwork in front of his home.”

The Chorus cabinet art initiative began in 2010 with a pilot in Auckland and was so successful it was extended throughout the country with 170 murals on average completed each year.

Councillor Jonathan Rosene said it was a way of reducing vandalism on telecommunication cabinets as well as promoting a sense of community pride.

“This year, we are particularly keen to see designs that have a story to tell and/or show a relationship between the work and the site and the community,” he said. “Particularly how it enhances the space or public surroundings and promotes community belonging and identity.”

Successful artists are paid for their works.

All information can be found at: https://www.marlborough.govt.nz/our-community/chorus-cabinet-art-programme