Call for submissions: Flag It!

Flag it!

Create the next Aotearoa / New Zealand national flag

AN INVITATION from the www.depotartspace.co.nz

Aotearoa / New Zealandʼs national flags:

Flag It! Flag of the United Tribes 1834–1840

An invitation to create and exhibit Aotearoa / New Zealand’s next national flag!

In the next parliamentary term, 2014–2017, the people of Aotearoa / New Zealand will vote on whether their country flies a new flag. In that case it will be ensured that the public can contribute design ideas.

British Union Jack 1840–1902

Flag of New Zealand Since 1902

Flag of Tino Rangatiratanga Since 1990

There have been numerous calls in the last decades for a new flag design. It has been argued that the current flag symbolises a colonial and post-colonial era whose time has passed, and that it ignores Māori heritage and other ethnic groups. It is also very similar to the Australian flag and the two are often confused.

New Zealand is not the first country to address redesigning their national flag; 31 countries have done so since 1990. A flag competition held by the Listener in 1989 showed that most New Zealanders wanted a change. In 2010 the New Zealand Herald ran a front-page article arguing that it was time to change and with the referendum coming up, the time is now.

The Depot Artspace wants to prepare for this process by inviting you to take part in Flag It! – an opportunity to have your say and represent your country, your identity and tūrangawaewae / your sense of place!

The design process will play a key role in the evolution of the Aotearoa / New Zealand flag.

Alternative flag proposals:

Design Brief

This is your chance to create a flag that represents our country and the Aotearoa / New Zealand identity The national flag should – Be instantly identifiable, recognisable and unique when flying and when hanging from the flag pole – Represent the identity of the country – Carry meaningful symbolism – Connect emotionally to the population – Demonstrate creativity and great design – Reference the past and the future – Have a timeless aspect

Dick Frizzell 2004

Friedensreich Hundertwasser 1983

The design can be any shape. Any medium except paper is acceptable. We will have a number of canvases, kindly donated by The Canvas Company, Albany, available to artists on a first come first served basis.

Closing date for delivery 29th August 2014, 5pm

What are you in for?

Aaron Nicholson 2000

* People’s Choice Award for the best entry * Selected works to travel to locations in other regions of New Zealand including the Hokianga * Your chance to be the designer of Aotearoa / NZʼs next national flag!

Flag It! will be exhibited in the Depot Artspace Main Gallery during the month national elections take place, from 6th to the 18th September.

Michael Smythe 2014

Entry form Conditions of Entry – Entry is $10 – Entry forms and artworks are to be delivered on Thursday 28th August and Friday the 29th of August from 10am – 5pm – The exhibitor agrees that if selected, the work may go on travelling exhibition to selected locations – The Depot takes all care, but no responsibility for artwork – Insurance remains the responsibility of the exhibitor – The Depot retains the right to select or omit works for final exhibition Works must – Be ready to hang securely to the wall, or attached to a flag pole – Be original art works – Have an identification tag stating your name and contact details Any questions?

Please contact Helen at helen.winskill@depotartspace.co.nz or 09 963 2331 Please use the tag below to attach to your artwork upon delivery to The Depot Artspace, 28 Clarence Street, Devonport, Auckland

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