The call went out last year for artists to express an interest in creating a piece of public artwork, and 22 proposals were received by the city council.
The proposals were considered by a selection panel of nine people.
Ara Toi Relationship Advisor Council Initiatives Lisa Wilkie said the proposals exhibited a wide range of approaches to the "cultural, social, and historical narratives of the Octagon".
“The panel was very fortunate to have a diverse range of high quality proposals for evaluation and it was difficult to narrow the selection down to the four finalists."
Ayesha Green (Kāi Tahu, Ngāti Kahungungu; Dunedin; Blue Oyster Winter artist-in residence 2018); Kristin Peren (Bannockburn; Otago School of Art graduate); Tracey Tawhiao (Ngāi te Rangi, Whakatōhea, Tūwharetoa; Auckland; University of Otago graduate); and John Ward Knox (Dunedin, 2015 Frances Hodgkins Fellow).
The finalists would now work up a detailed proposal by April 9.
Once the proposals were received, details would be shared with the public, who would have the opportunity to provide feedback before the public art selection panel met to make the final decision.
The selection panel is: Sarah Anderson, director, Regent Theatre; John Broughton, mana whenua representative - Puketeraki; Megan Lutton, Megan Lutton Architects; Campbell MacNeill, .everyday; Cam McCracken, director DPAG, Ruth Myers, sculptor and lecturer at Otago Polytechnic; Angus Robertson, parks and reserves, Dunedin City Council; Kathryn Ward, urban design,
Dunedin City Council; and Moana Wesley. mana whenua representative – Otakou
The successful artist will be paid a fee of $65,000 (+ GST).
