Discover Auckland's newest public art trail

From City Scene, published on 1 August 2010.

Expect the unexpected with Auckland's newest public art trail, Micro Sites, located in the Learning Quarter.

A flashing keyhole, an abandoned trapeze and a miniature temple are just some of the exciting new contemporary art works that have been installed in and around the city centre's busy Learning Quarter.

The works are part of a public art project launched yesterday entitled Micro Sites, which is an Auckland City Council initiative developed in partnership with The University of Auckland and AUT University.

The series of discrete temporary art works will be surprising discoveries for people living, working and walking through Auckland's Learning Quarter.

"The works are unlabelled and intended to be chanced upon," says Councillor Greg Moyle, chairperson of the Arts, Culture and Recreation Committee.

"This project is an opportunity for artists to create small-scale art works that run against the grain and interfere with everyday perceptions of a place," he adds.

The Micro Sites artists are a mix of established and emerging artists, and art students - Anthony Cribb, Trenton Garratt, Tessa Laird, Xu Li, Asumi Mizuo, Ryan Monro, Amber Pearson, A D Schierning, Rachel Shearer, Agnes So, Thomas Stewart, Tiffany Singh and Taarati Taiaroa.

The installations are designed as medium-term projects with a lifespan of up to five years. Visit the Public art section for more information, as well as a downloadable map of the locations of the art works.

More about the Learning Quarter >>

Sickup by Taarati Taiaroa. Corner of Wakefield and Symonds streets.

Lost, Found by Xu Li. Ledges along AUT D Building on St Paul Street.

Fairy Bright Eyes by Ryan Monro. Near 24 Symonds Street.

Ok Sushi by Amber Claire Pearson. Albert Park lamp posts.

Wihaan by Tessa Laird and Tiffany Singh. Albert Park.