New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark earlier this week announced the Creative Places Award 2002, open to local government authorities across the country that have actively supported arts projects. Selected from some 32 entries, the main prize was awarded to Waitakere City Council, for the Massey Leisure Centre and Library, which integrates 17 works by local artists, charting the history and environment of the area. The judges’ unanimous choice as overall winner, the city also took out the Enhancing the Built Environment category. ‘Waitakere’s holistic approach to town centre design is an outstanding model of what can be achieved when artists are involved in every step of the process,’ commented judges in their report. ‘Locals feel a tremendous sense of pride in having a quality facility that celebrates them in its design and construction. It is their place, and an inspiration for further creativity in the community.’ Established in 1999 by national arts development agency, Creative New Zealand, the award offers as its main prize a work of art chosen by the winning city and destined for public display. ‘The Creative Places Award celebrates all the wonderful, innovative arts projects happening in communities throughout New Zealand,’ commented Creative NZ CEO, Elizabeth Kerr. ‘We value our partnership with local government, and this award acknowledges its huge investment and commitment to the arts of this country.’ The full list of winners is, as follows: Arts Support & Development Category Artstation, Auckland City Council Artstation is an Auckland City arts facility offering courses, workshops, open studios and an annual program of curated, community-focussed exhibitions. It enables all sectors of the Auckland community to participate in many aspects of the visual arts, and provides a space for personal expression. Celebrating Cultural Identity & Diversity Category 2002 TV2 Night Parade, Wellington City Council Asia 2000 Lantern Festival 2002, Auckland City Council Two winners were awarded in this category. Both events were seen to celebrate cultural difference and identity in extremely positive ways, involving the lives of thousands of people. Community Participation Initiatives Category Christchurch Community Artists – Christchurch City Council Legal Art Program, Christchurch City Council The program aims to 'clean up' the streets of Christchurch, after the council introduced a zero-tolerance policy on graffiti in 2000. 'Legal' art can be placed on open public sites, such as walls and buildings, or on privately owned sites with approval of the property owners and the local community. Cultural Tourism/Economic Development Category Otago Arts Guide, Dunedin City Council The 'Otago Arts Guide', launched in March 2002, profiles and maps 250 artists working throughout the region. It aims to develop the economic base of the region’s arts community, and place the area in a position of potential growth for cultural tourism. Enhancing the Built Environment Category Massey Leisure Centre and Library, Waitakere City Council ‘This project is a perfect example of arts/design collaboration,’ judges said. ‘Waitakere City deserves recognition for its dedication and commitment to permeating its public landscape with artistic expression.’ Major Arts Activities Category Nelson Arts Festival 2001, Nelson City Council The festival offered a colourful array of activities to celebrate Nelson’s unique artistic community, and is testament to a strong commitment to the arts from the city council. Youth Initiatives Category MERV and VERA, Wellington City Council This is the first year the Creative Places Award has offered a category for youth initiatives. 'MERV' (Mobile Events and Recreation Vehicle) and 'VERA' (Vehicles for Events, Recreation and Art) are funky vans, used to support arts events and activities for Wellington’s youth.