Funds allocated for digital art screens at Aotea Centre

New digital art screens will take pride of place in the Aotea Centre, following funding approval from Auckland City Council's Finance and Strategy Committee.

The screens will display static or moving digital art images as well as promotional video.

Chair of Auckland Council's Finance and Strategy Committee, Councillor Douglas Armstrong, says the digital screens will provide ongoing benefit to the event patrons and the arts community.

Unlike video walls of the past, the new screens have very slim bezels (rims), resulting in better visual connectivity.

Now that the funding is secured, The Edge plans to seek input from the Aotearoa Digital Arts Trust and others regarding art works and the potential for art commissions.

The screens, supporting technology, and initial digital art programmes will be financed from residual funds remaining in the old Aotea Centre Trust ($90,000) and The Edge artwork reserve ($54,000).

"This is worthwhile and appropriate use of funds left over from the establishment of Aotea Centre," says Councillor Armstrong.

Robbie Macrae, Director, Performing Arts at The Edge says the new technology will allow new artworks to be showcased to the thousands of Aucklanders who visit the Aotea Centre for events and conferences.

"The screens will provide a great opportunity for the public to enjoy exciting new multi media artwork, and the technology means the screens can be refreshed on a regular basis."