h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Thought this might interest you Rod.

Difficult times for artists in Christchurch...lots going to Oz.

But the physics room looks cool.

http://www.artshub.com.au/au/news-article/opinions/arts/post-quake-artists-struggle-for-space-190988

Hello Effers, Yes, problems.
Goodness knows what will happen and when. We (40km north) are and have been affected by the fallout of people. The town is very much busier than it was and there's a lot of building going on (by those who can afford it).

The comment in the article you highlighted, about their place though not damaged, closing because it's in the Red Zone is all too common. It's going to take many years...

However, looking at Napier (North Island, Hawkes Bay), which was destroyed by a similar event in 1931, it can be done and done well (It's now one of the world's two best-preserved examples of Art Noveau). So it can be done and become worthwhile. eg
http://www.artdeconapier.com/

What will happen here? Goodness knows but there are plans afoot amid the carping.


Migration to Oz? It's an all-round problem, not only artists. The pay is better, more opportunities are sprinkled around...

Art? There's lots of it about but I'm not the one to opinionise as I'm lacking in that dep art ment...

From an admittedly pure outsiders perspective I'd have thought for artists there'd be lots of opportunities for artists to make work connected to the quake itself and its effects. It's never easy when you're an artist. People here often work from home and even put shows on in their own homes. Most artists don't make a living from it and have to do other jobs pt. But I suppose if there's no work it makes it even harder.

That article seems to suggest they are mostly heading for Melbourne. That, from a brief visit, was my least favourite Australian city. It seemed very trendy and pretend European..but you can't really judge as a tourist, anymore than a tourist can judge the art scene here that goes on in places tourists never visit...but the main galleries in the centre didn't grab me.

I much preferred Sydney..as it had a much more 'Australian' feel and an energy I could relate to. Still some might come back again with new insights from their travels. Travel is always a good thing to broaden the mind.

I hope Christchurch eventually can come good again for everyone.

Yes, I believe it will come good again - eventually.