Central Otago District Council and Chorus are partnering once again to deliver stunning artwork to local neighbourhoods.

Four telecommunication cabinets are up for beautification and local artists are encouraged to submit their designs by October 1. 

The cabinets chosen this year are located in Ranfurly, Roxburgh, Cromwell and Clyde.

Central Otago District Council community development advisor Rebecca Williams said the initiative was a ‘win-win’ for the community.

An artwork by Jordan Turner called 'Happy Fruits'. PHOTO: Supplied

Another Chorus cabinet, decorated in art by Sally Jory, called 'First Phone Call'. PHOTO: Supplied

“Our local artists get a fantastic working opportunity, and the neighbourhood is brightened by their work. We’ve also seen this initiative discourage tagging and encourage people to get out and [get] involved in the community where they otherwise might not have.

“The Chorus cabinet art has become a real focal point and is such a part of our community – right across the district.”

Chorus cabinets, which can typically be found in neighbourhoods across the country, are the perfect platform for established and emerging artists to have their work publicly displayed for communities to see daily.

Artists are encouraged to explore themes in their designs that celebrate their local communities, tell a story, or simply add a splash of colour to the landscape. 

A creation called 'Tui' by Phoebe Taylor adorns another Chorus cabinet. PHOTO: Supplied

Completed works are paid from $600 to $1700 depending on the size of the cabinet, and up to $150 extra for materials.

Chorus community relations lead Jo Seddon said it made sense to partner with local councils, as they knew their communities best. 

“We always get a high calibre of art submitted for this programme, it’s a great opportunity for us to see the unique stories and designs that come out of each region.

“These cabinets formed a necessary part of our network and are all around, so it is great to see them decorated to the taste and benefit of the communities they serve.”

The initiative has seen more than 1700 cabinets decorated with stunning art since 2010. 

All finished art will be included on the Chorus website and will be considered for the 2025 Chorus Cabinet Art calendar.