The first artists have been announced for the fourth SCAPE 2006 Biennial of Art in Public Space presented by the Art & Industry Biennial Trust held in Christchurch from the 30 September to the 12 November.

The theme for this year's SCAPE - don't misbehave!, playfully alludes to the ways in which art might alter public space and its perception. With an eye for the increasing relevance of public space curators Natasha Conland and Susanne Jaschko have selected artists who have the potential to activate Christchurch's city centre. The first artists have been announced for the fourth SCAPE 2006 Biennial of Art in Public Space presented by the Art & Industry Biennial Trust held in Christchurch from the 30 September to the 12 November.

The theme for this year's SCAPE - don't misbehave!, playfully alludes to the ways in which art might alter public space and its perception. With an eye for the increasing relevance of public space curators Natasha Conland and Susanne Jaschko have selected artists who have the potential to activate Christchurch's city centre.Both national and international artists have been selected who are interested in working within the definitions of art in public space. In particular, artists have been chosen for their ability to provide unexpected relationships and stimulating new parameters for art in public space.

The mix of emerging and established artists will bring the Christchurch Cultural Precinct to life with over 20 visiting artists making temporary works for the city. Included amongst the impressive line-up is 2001 Turner Prize winner, Briton Martin Creed along with Dutch/German duo Remco Schuurbiers and Bijan Dawallu, who will present an entirely new take on ping pong and country music through a hybrid installation event and Korean artist Choi Jeong Hwa known for his brilliant use of pop materials. Also included are Australian artists James Angus and Emil Goh, both of whom will present new site-specific work for SCAPE 2006. Scandinavians Otto Karvonen, Anu Pennanen (Finland) and International Festival (Sweden) will also present work which reinvigorates the nature of public art. Joining these impressive internationals are highly regarded New Zealanders Mladen Bizumic, David Clegg, Adam Hyde, and Ronnie van Hout, as well as emerging talents Dane Mitchell, Liz Allen, Eve Armstrong, Simon Denny and Sriwhana Spong.

SCAPE 2006 is both an outdoor and indoor exhibition. The Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetu will be the hub for SCAPE 2006 hosting the indoor exhibition, video programme and symposium. A visit during the opening weekend promises performances, symposia, video screenings and artist talks, making this an excellent time to sample the very best contemporary art in public space on offer from New Zealand and abroad.

25 new outdoor projects and over 20 indoor works will see the biennial achieve an excellent artistic presence with a total of 45 contributors, in all instances providing a fresh range of perspectives to the environment and partnerships inherent to SCAPE 2006. In late July SCAPE 2006 don't misbehave! launches a new online presence which will give constant artist updates. Be sure to visit the new website: www.scapebiennial.org.nz or for further information email: scapebiennial@xtra.co.nz