Public art

Public art is an important aspect of city building. It enriches a city, brings to life, and transforms how people experience the public realm. It contributes to the beautification of cities and is essential to creating a sense of place, helping us to achieve streets and public spaces that are unique to Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland.

Inspired by a traditional Māori hinaki, this steel sculpture rises from the wharf at Hobsonville Point.

This section focuses on permanent public art. It looks at how to bring forward public art opportunities and where to locate art in streets and public spaces within Auckland’s city centre. It provides direction and inspiration for public art investment and responds to:

  • The principles informing this document.
  • The strategic direction of the Auckland Council Public Art Policy and City Centre Art Plan.
  • The vision and outcomes of the City Centre Masterplan (CCMP) 2020.

The CCMP identifies a place-based focus for the revitalisation and growth of the city centre organised around 10 outcomes. Public art is intrinsic to and has touchpoints with all of these outcomes.