New Zealand
New Zealand biennial cancelled after second quake
Disastrous 6.3-magnitude earthquake has caused widespread damage and at least 90 fatalities, with 200 people still missing
By The Art Newspaper. Web only
Published online: 24 February 2011
Christchurch's sixth public art biennial “Scape” will not go ahead as planned following the city's major earthquake on Tuesday. The organisers of “Scape” made the announcement in view of the “extraordinary circumstances” of the 6.3-magnitude quake which occurred at lunchtime on 22 February, causing widespread damage and at least 90 fatalities, with 200 people still missing. "Our thoughts are with our friends and neighbours who have suffered loss at the hands of this tragedy," the organisers said in a statement.
“Scape”, which was scheduled to take place between 4 March – 17 April, had already been deferred by six months from its original launch date after the city's September earthquake. The biennial's permanent sculpture Passing Time by Auckland-based artist Anton Parsons had just been installed in the city centre when this second earthquake struck.
Eliza Apperly
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