Today, SCAPE Public Art has launched a crowd funding campaign on Boosted.org.nz to raise $20,000 for sculpture Diminish and Ascend by David McCracken.

The money raised will help fund the improvements required to make the staircase a permanent fixture in Kiosk Lake within the Christchurch Botanic Gardens.

The popular sculpture has surprised many locals and visitors who have stumbled upon its illusion, beauty and intrigue since it was unveiled as part of the Public Art Walkway for the SCAPE Season 2016.

In late 2018, an announcement was made by the Christchurch City Council that the sculpture would become permanent for Christchurch.

The purchase of this popular legacy (permanent) public artwork for Christchurch is an excellent example of a mixed funding model. Supporters have ranged from the local organisations, such as the Friends of Christchurch Botanic Gardens, to gallerists Gow Langsford donating their commission to make it possible.

The total cost of purchasing the artwork is $220,000 made up of combined support from those mentioned, SCAPE Public Art, Cranleigh Harper Barton Cultural Trust, Leighs Construction, Anderson Lloyd, Ruamoko Engineers and the Christchurch City Council Public Art Fund. Those involved having already achieved $180,000 of the budget needed. SCAPE is aiming to secure the last $40,000 through a combination of a public appeal and cash sponsorship.

In this Boosted campaign, SCAPE will encourage others to step up and make donations whether they be as individuals, schools, businesses or other groups. The campaign will run for three months, from 20 February – 20 May 2019.

The campaign, entitled WANTED: Artwork for Gardens, takes a contemporary approach to a wild, wild west wanted poster with the sculpture having a $20,000 ‘target’ looming over it – meaning the campaign target is to raise $20,000 to go towards the artwork – and various ‘hys-stair-rical’ puns.

Executive Director of SCAPE Public Art, Deborah McCormick said, “The aim is to run a really fun campaign that brings some happiness and laughter for people who come across it – the same way Diminish and Ascend has inspired people with its magical appeal.”

“Anyone can donate and every little contribution helps – whether that be $5 or $1,000+. We’re looking forward to engaging with locals and visitors on this, and we have some fun things planned to get word out and recognise every supporter who donates to the campaign.”

The campaign is running through arts funding website Boosted, created and administered by the Arts Foundation, and can be pin-pointed using the link: www.boosted.org.nz/projects/wanted-artwork-for-the-gardens.

Everyone who donates will be recognised on an honour board on SCAPE’s website, and through an emailed letter of thanks upon reaching the target. Donors will also receive a donation receipt for tax purposes.

The sculpture itself – a seemingly infinite staircase by Auckland-based artist, David McCracken – is a much-loved meeting point, picnic spot, place to ponder and avian playground in the Christchurch Botanic Gardens. The way it sits within its surroundings is thoughtful and peaceful. Through clever use of scale and perspective, the sculpture ascends from Kiosk Lake and disappears into the surrounding tree canopy, its width tapering off and steps becoming smaller and smaller before reaching its apex.

It is a rare feat that a sculpture and its location combine so effortlessly, so securing both for many years to come will be a special endeavour for everyone involved.

*To donate any amount from $5 to $1,000+ please visit: www.boosted.org.nz/projects/wanted-artwork-for-the-gardens.

Pictured: Visitors exploring David McCracken Diminish and Ascend 2013 during Opening Weekend of the SCAPE Season 2018. Image courtesy of SCAPE Public Art and Gow Langsford Gallery.