Projects

The Otago Sculpture Trust was established in 2002 by a group of practicing sculptors with a general aim of doing what we can to foster and develop sculptural practice across Otago and beyond. Adopting the formal structure of a registered charitable trust makes certain things easier. It helps the trust to promote public sculpture in its many forms, including accessing resources and influencing public art policies as a lobby group.

The kinds of goals that the trust has now include:

  • documentation of existing public sculpture
    OST worked with the University of Otago, the Dunedin City Council and the Community Trust of Otago to produce 2 successful small publications that explain the history of sculpture in Otago. The works in the books are arranged into tours that are both walkable and driveable.
  • walking tours
    since the publication of the sculpture trails booklets, trust members have been hosting walking tours in conjunction with the Otago Settlers Museum.
  • support for new public sculpture initiatives both temporary and permanent
    OST provided funding umbrella for Terminus Public Art project 2005.
  • various lobbying activities around important issues affecting sculpture
    OST made a series of submissions which helped to reinstate a fund for public art projects within the Dunedin City Council.

The kinds of things we would like to do more of include:

  • providing a focal point for consultation, forums and discussion
  • creating a database of working sculptors, including a skill register. If you would like to be listed contact us here.
  • support of professional development and critical thinking concerning contemporary public sculpture
  • arrange workshop space for visiting and local sculptors
  • mentoring opportunities for emerging sculptors