ArtBox offers an imaginative and practical way to support artists in Christchurch

If you are looking for a good art cause to support, you can't do much better than this. ArtBox is a project that will provide exhibition space and studios for Christchurch artists. The people behind this timely initiative aim to raise $250,000 to build 18 modular, mobile gallery/studio spaces that will provide 300 square metres of exhibition and work space for artists. It's a great idea and a cost-effective and practical way to assist artists in a city that has suffered over 8,000 earthquakes and aftershocks since the first 7.1 magnitude quake almost a year ago that wrecked the city centre and thousands of homes. There are a number of ways you can help them to achieve their funding target, all outlined on the ArtBox website.

Artbox project for the Christchurch arts community

Artists in the quake-ravaged city of Christchurch face many challenges, including the loss of studios, galleries and artists' quarters. However, a recent initiative by the CPIT Faculty of Creative Industries has introduced a ray of hope. The Faculty has designed and is about to construct a series of mobile art galleries and artists' studio modules that will function as moveable art precincts. Intended to be affordable, the 300 square metre spaces will be offered to artists at a weekly rental of $50.

Spokesperson for the Artbox project Martin Trusttum says the spaces interlocked and grouped will create the feeling of a gallery hub, not only proving venue and workspaces for artists but also taking the arts to all corners of the city.

Image: Cho Duck Hyun, Dark Water: The Antipodes Project, 2009, Princes Wharf, Auckland. Photographs courtesy of the artist