An arresting new look is in place for the Wellington Police District Cells as the District Custody Unit (DCU) art competition closes and the winning entries are chosen. The winning art will be used to cover hall walls in the district custody unit from tomorrow.
A ceremony to thank the artists from all over New Zealand, will be held at the Wellington Central Police Station, this Saturday 7 December.
Fourteen pieces of artwork have been chosen and will be on display this Saturday during the ceremony. The artists range from a year 7 student, to Rimutaka Prison inmates to professional artists. Out of the 14 selected, three lucky artists will win the top monetary prizes –First prize $1000, second prize $500 and third place $250.
Supervisor of the DCU, Senior Sergeant Stu Taylforth says “Some of the art work depicts safety and security as there's always a path of light in the darkness to guide (people) through deep waters; while others show Maori wahine as strong with a sense of community with strong links to whanau. Another stated that their piece showed two embracing hands – someone (who is) stuck and reaching out for help; another artist’s piece showed a family embracing, with the faces of the family in different colours to represent our blended society. This piece also showed blue colours representing the Police protecting the Community and the family”.
“All of these themes are exactly what we were after in the sense of their work. They have displayed, community, embrace, removal of barriers, offering help, showing support to grow and change – all of which is what we were looking for,” says Senior Sergeant Taylforth.
The idea for the competition came from Senior Sergeant Taylforth who says “All entries need to help make the custody unit safer for staff by improving the prisoner experience, reducing stress, and breaking down barriers. The focus of the art competition was on people who wanted to make a difference by contributing to making the custody unit a more positive place.
“The theme is Awhi which means help and support in Maori. We have to hold people accountable but we also want to help them and prevent them from becoming a statistic. We want to understand their situation and make referrals to the right people who can provide the help required.
All copies made by Police of the winning artwork are now the property of New Zealand Police for display in the custody units and will be up on display for the foreseeable future.
This project is supported by the Police Leader’s Guild and the Wellington City Council.
MEDIA INVITATION:
10.00am Start
10.15am Welcome and karakia
10.30am Presentations ceremony, speeches and announcements. Presentation of prizes and formal photographs of winners
11.30am Function ends
If media wish to attend this ceremony please contact media@police.govt.nz and ask to RSVP to Jillian Reid
