Refinery Window Installation Project
Call for proposals - Now Closed

Arts Council Nelson [ACN] has made the large display window of the Refinery ArtSpace on Hardy Street available for six creative installations, each to be displayed for two months duration until July 2022.
The project aims to provide a street-side arts experience for all, particularly for those that may rarely set foot inside an art gallery.
The Project commenced with the fabulous installation:-
'No Place' by Emma Lay (pictured left) .
The mass movement of people is one of the biggest stories of our time. Media coverage exposes us to the plight of thousands of migrants and refugees around the world. Images show:- lines of people on the move; families; elderly; children; whole communities shifting; hundreds and thousands of people; slow moving; walking; carrying luggage; heading away; fleeing; escaping; chancing it; seeking a better life or just seeking a means to stay alive.
The crude clay figures are simple and devoid of detail, just representations of human beings: - you; me; my neighbour; the man I pass in the street.
The baggage they carry is the only defining detail, these few possessions seem a poignant reminder of the desperation of their situation. Exposed and vulnerable they make their way across the empty window space.
Like media imagery of this plight on screens & newspapers, here the “window space” provides a framed still of this story.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
2nd Installation: (until 31st July, 2021)
Māramatanga
Facilitated by Cultural Conversations, this sculptural and sound installation was created by community members from various cultural groups and musical backgrounds. The word Māramatanga not only contain the word moon but also it's power, insight, significance, meaning, light and understanding. The groupo were interested in how the moon was celebrated around the world and what people see in the moon. The soundtrack relays stories, journeys and wishes as you look at the same giant moon which connects us all during these uncertain times.
Currently: Beth Strickland.
The project aims to provide a street-side arts experience for all, particularly for those that may rarely set foot inside an art gallery.
The Project commenced with the fabulous installation:-
'No Place' by Emma Lay (pictured left) .
The mass movement of people is one of the biggest stories of our time. Media coverage exposes us to the plight of thousands of migrants and refugees around the world. Images show:- lines of people on the move; families; elderly; children; whole communities shifting; hundreds and thousands of people; slow moving; walking; carrying luggage; heading away; fleeing; escaping; chancing it; seeking a better life or just seeking a means to stay alive.
The crude clay figures are simple and devoid of detail, just representations of human beings: - you; me; my neighbour; the man I pass in the street.
The baggage they carry is the only defining detail, these few possessions seem a poignant reminder of the desperation of their situation. Exposed and vulnerable they make their way across the empty window space.
Like media imagery of this plight on screens & newspapers, here the “window space” provides a framed still of this story.
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
2nd Installation: (until 31st July, 2021)
Māramatanga
Facilitated by Cultural Conversations, this sculptural and sound installation was created by community members from various cultural groups and musical backgrounds. The word Māramatanga not only contain the word moon but also it's power, insight, significance, meaning, light and understanding. The groupo were interested in how the moon was celebrated around the world and what people see in the moon. The soundtrack relays stories, journeys and wishes as you look at the same giant moon which connects us all during these uncertain times.
Currently: Beth Strickland.

Thanks to funding assistance through the Nelson City Creative Communities Scheme, ACN is able to offer the six selected proposals $300 per installation as an artist fee and to cover the cost of materials.
About the Space:
Situated on the South side of Hardy Street facing North, the window receives afternoon sun. Fitted spotlights can be used to illuminate the space as required and there is two accessible power points in the space.
Dimensions: 4000mm (wide) x 1450mm (deep) x 1900mm (window height).
The space has physical access via an interior movable rear wall and has good depth for free standing, kinetic and/or suspended works.
Do not hesitate to contact ACN should you have any queries regarding this project.
About the Space:
Situated on the South side of Hardy Street facing North, the window receives afternoon sun. Fitted spotlights can be used to illuminate the space as required and there is two accessible power points in the space.
Dimensions: 4000mm (wide) x 1450mm (deep) x 1900mm (window height).
The space has physical access via an interior movable rear wall and has good depth for free standing, kinetic and/or suspended works.
Do not hesitate to contact ACN should you have any queries regarding this project.