Consultation outcome

Background

Arts, culture and creativity play a vital role in shaping strong and prosperous cities. They foster cohesive, healthy communities and enhance overall community wellbeing.

Integrating creative elements into community infrastructure is an opportunity to create a vibrant city and achieve important wellbeing outcomes for all Hamiltonians.

Council sought feedback on a proposed Arts in Infrastructure policy to guide how art could be included in Council infrastructure projects.


What we heard from the community

We asked "Do you agree with Council’s proposal to create an arts in infrastructure policy to guide how art and creativity can be included in public infrastructure projects?"

A total of 92 submissions were received, including 83 from individuals and nine representatives of organisations.

Read the insights report

Key insights

Eight out of nine organisations agreed or partially agreed with the proposal, and 88% of individuals agreed or partially agreed.

  • Almost all respondents (89%) support or support in part Council’s proposal to create an arts in infrastructure policy to guide how art and creativity can be included in public infrastructure projects.

  • Respondents often mentioned the benefits of public art. Many spoke about how art increases the beauty and vibrancy of public spaces, and its impact on the city’s culture and identity. Community cohesion, belonging and expression were also highlighted as positives.

  • Decisions were split on the financial impacts of the policy. 14 respondents agreed that the 1% budget allocation sounded about right, 14 believed public art is a costly nice-to-have, and two were supportive of a greater budget allocation to art than the proposed 1%.

  • Overall, respondents were overwhelmingly supportive of the policy, and excited by the thought of Hamilton having more art.

Themes from individual responses

  • Public art increases beauty, vibrancy and pride in Hamilton (n = 47)
  • Diverse art is vital for a city’s culture and identity (n = 20)
  • Desire to see local artists prioritised and supported (n = 18)
  • Public art fosters community cohesion and unites people (n = 15)
  • 1% budget allocation sounds about right/it’s an appropriate amount (n = 14)
  • Public art is a nice to have; Council cannot afford this (n = 14)
  • Public art promotes individual wellbeing and expression (n = 13)
  • Policy would have economic benefits and bring in tourism (n = 7)

Themes from organisation responses

  • Many organisations highlighted the importance of developing guidelines with mana whenua for culturally appropriate art.
  • Accessibility for all users was emphasised by several organisations.
  • One organisation opposed the policy, preferring a city-wide rebrand approach.


Decision made

On 18 September 2025, Council adopted the Arts in Infrastructure policy. The policy sets out how we’ll include art in infrastructure projects, with a focus on:

  • supporting local artists and creative practitioners
  • reflecting Hamilton Kirikiriroa’s identity, including Waikato–Tainui cultural values
  • ensuring art is considered early in project planning.

A minor amendment was made to consider designs that enable performance-based activation in public places.

Further information:

We asked

Council is proposing to adopt an arts in infrastructure policy. We would like to hear from community members who may be interested in, or affected by, the Draft Arts in Infrastructure Policy.

Why are we developing an arts in infrastructure policy?

Arts, culture and creativity play a vital role in shaping strong and prosperous cities, while also fostering cohesive, healthy communities and enhancing overall community wellbeing.

Integrating creative elements into community infrastructure provides an opportunity to create a vibrant city and achieve important wellbeing outcomes for all Hamiltonians.

Currently Council does not have a policy to guide how artwork and creative elements can be included in infrastructure projects.

Council resolved to develop an arts in infrastructure policy at the 4 June 2024 Council meeting.

The Draft Arts in Infrastructure Policy will ensure:

  • Council planning and investment supports and enables great outcomes for culture and the arts when building or upgrading infrastructure.
  • Infrastructure continues to be safe, reliable and works well for everyone.

Council would like to hear from community members who may be interested in, or affected by, the Draft Arts in Infrastructure Policy.

Read the Draft Arts in Infrastructure Policy here.

Council is proposing a new policy to help guide how art and creativity can be included in public infrastructure projects – like walkways, bus stops, libraries and bridges. The policy aims to:

  • make public spaces more vibrant and enjoyable through creative design
  • ensure infrastructure remains safe, functional, and cost-effective
  • clarify who is responsible and how decisions are made, so projects run smoothly.


What we're proposing... ...and why
Budget for art
Council will consider the inclusion of art in suitable public infrastructure projects by setting aside up to 1% of the planned budget. This helps bring creativity into everyday spaces — like streets, parks, and buildings — while making sure projects stay on budget.
Planning and scoping
The inclusion of art will be considered early in the planning of nominated public infrastructure projects. Each proposed artwork/creative element will include a full cost assessment for its entire lifespan. This helps to ensure the art or creative elements fit well with the overall design and function of the space.

This makes sure the long-term costs of creating, installing, and maintaining the creative elements are well understood and managed.
Care and maintenance
All proposed artworks must meet Council’s standards for durability and maintenance.

Each proposal must include a plan for how the creative elements will be cared for. 		This ensures the artwork can withstand weather and wear over time, keeping it safe and looking good.

This helps make sure there’s a clear understanding of what’s needed to clean, maintain and repair the artwork/creative element throughout its life.
Safe and accessible
Safety and accessibility are key priorities in the design of art elements in infrastructure projects. Art elements will be designed with a strong focus on safety and, where appropriate, accessibility, ensuring that as many people as possible can engage with and enjoy them.

The key reasons for the proposal are:

  • To make public spaces more attractive, welcoming and enjoyable.
  • To reflect local culture and identity, helping people feel proud of where they live.
  • To support local artists and creative industries by creating more opportunities for involvement.
  • To boost community wellbeing and economic development through vibrant, engaging public places.

Next steps

Council staff will collect and analyse all feedback at the close of the submission period.

The analysis of this feedback will be presented to the Regulatory and Hearings Committee meeting on 14 August 2025. At this meeting, submitters who want to speak to their written submission will be able to do so.

The Council will then consider all the views and make a decision.