Mural design depicts community kaupapa and facility logos

Artist Brandon Blair putting the finishing touches on the new mural

Another artwork has popped up in Hastings, this time on the fencing around an empty site opposite Toitoi – Hawke's Bay Arts and Events Centre, in time for the Toitoi Municipal Building re-opening this weekend.

Thanks to local artist Brandon Blair, of Crimson Flower Ltd, the corner of Hastings St and Eastbourne St East has been transformed with a bold, bright mural incorporating the logos of both Toitoi and Te Whare Toi o Heretaunga - Hastings City Art Gallery.

Hastings District Council Kaiwhakahaere, Ngā Toi me te Ahurea – Manager, Arts & Culture Megan Peacock-Coyle said these design elements speak to the kaupapa of Hastings District Council, in particular its arts facilities, as well as the history of the area.

“Our arts facilities are focused on providing community wellbeing, cultural connection, and a sense of identity for Hastings and our community. The design elements within this mural are an illustration of this vision.

“The designs flow like a stream, which echoes the etched patterns on both the exterior of Functions on Hastings and the pavement outside the Toitoi Municipal Building, both of which represent the Mākirikiri Stream, a wahi tapu which runs under our city.”

She said that as well as providing an uplifting display in itself, the mural will act as a background for promotions of events and exhibitions happening in these arts and cultural facilities over the coming months.

A major community event happening this weekend is the official opening of the Toitoi Municipal Building – starting with a pōhiri at 10am on Saturday morning and featuring performances, a talk about the history of the building from local historian Michael Fowler, as well as a chance for the community to look around the building over the weekend.

For times and details of all that’s happening over the weekend go to www.toitoivenues.co.nz/whats-on/municipal-building-grand-opening/

3 August 2022

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