Drive by Art, a dynamic and community wide public art programme, has added a new splash of colour to Wellington's urban landscape. Drive by Art, a dynamic and community wide public art programme, has added a new splash of colour to Wellington's urban landscape.Fifty five new works of original art, painted by local artists, have been installed along Jervois Quay, Customhouse Quay, Waterloo Quay, Cable Street, Ruahine Street, Murphy St and Mulgrave St. Another 32 conservation-themed banners will follow in the next two weeks. And dozens more are planned for summer in the Capital.

"Soon, they will be everywhere," said Nicole Medcalf, who oversees the City Council's 450 display banner sites and schedules. Ms Medcalf has been developing the idea for more than a year. "After months and months of planning, working with artists and schools, and gathering resources, it is wonderful to see these new works of art on every corner."

The Drive by Art idea began in June 2003 when Ms Medcalf noticed that a number of banner sites, typically on power poles and street light poles, were not being used. Wanting to find a creative, community-driven way to revitalise the forgotten banner sites, Medcalf took her idea to the Council's Community Arts Coordinator, Eric Holowacz.

Mr Holowacz was keen to develop new and interesting initiatives. He drew up a framework, tested the materials, and began telling teachers and artists about Drive by Art. "The response was overwhelming, with more than 50 participants signed on in the first few months," said Mr Holowacz.

By September, the concept and basic premise for Drive by Art had been developed: invite Wellington's schools and artists to create banner designs; then provide them with paints and blank vinyl; and give them the freedom to create anything. The final step, installing these original designs as public art, is taking place throughout July.

Another key factor was the support of project sponsors, Flagmakers and Resene. The two Wellington-based companies pledged their support early, and ensured that Drive by Art would be stocked with banners and paints.

"They made it easy to develop and grow," said Holowacz, "and they provided a lot of technical help as well. These two companies are truly community-minded...more like partners than sponsors."

Thanks also to a grant by New Zealand Community Trust, fifty-five new banners have been placed on utility poles from Te Papa to Parliament. These were designed by emerging and established artists, including advanced student groups from The Learning Connexion and Massey University, portrait painters, abstract artists, and illustrators. As a result, motorists and pedestrians in Wellington's CBD will discover a virtual art gallery on the streets.

Just in time for Conservation Week in August, more than 30 school banners will be installed along Oriental Parade. These have been created by school classes from Karori to Masterton, and the designs feature environmental themes. The Council worked in partnership with the Department of Conservation, and over 20 local educators, to add this design twist to Drive by Art.

"It's been great to see how excited the teachers are, as they return these completed Drive by Art banners," said Mr Holowacz, whose office has recently filled up with painted banners featuring kiwi birds, whales, rivers and scenes from Wellington's natural world. "It's obvious that the students have been thinking hard about New Zealand's conservation issues and environmental concerns and that their art-making has spurred other educational opportunities."

Organisers hope that soon, Drive by Art will spur all sorts of conversation and community reflection. Plans are being made to continue this public art project well into the future, and rotate new and colourful banners into the urban landscape every year. Schools, local artists and interested organisations are welcome to join in and help the programme grow.

"There is no doubt now that Wellington is driven by the arts," said Mr Holowacz. "All you have to do now is look up - creativity is in the air."

Anyone wishing to participate in Wellington City Council's Drive by Art programme should contact Eric Holowacz on 385 1929 or by email at arts@wcc.govt.nz

For more information visit feelinggreat.co.nz