Creating art that becomes part of Cambridge.

Cambridge Public Art Trust was established by local people who share a belief that public art has an important role to play in the future of our town.

Our vision is to create public art that reflects and engages the community, provides thought-provoking experiences and showcases outstanding contemporary art from across Aotearoa New Zealand.

We work in partnership with Waipā District Council, artists, curators, iwi, community organisations, property owners, donors and supporters to identify opportunities and bring new work into public spaces.

The bronze Mare and Foal sculpture outside Cambridge Town Hall

What we do

Commission new public art

We identify opportunities for new work, establish budgets, work with curators and artists, and help take projects from initial idea through to installation.

Find the right place for each work

Location matters. We work with Council and property owners to consider history, context, scale, lighting, movement and the way people will experience a work in its surroundings.

Support quality and longevity

We expect strong craftsmanship and materials appropriate to each site, with proper consideration for installation, safety, maintenance and the long-term life of the work.

Build an evolving collection

Public art can take many forms. Our ambition includes permanent sculpture, murals and other static works, as well as temporary installations, exhibitions, light-based works and new creative ideas.

Connect people with art

We want public art to be accessible and engaging for people of all ages, whether they are deeply interested in art or simply encounter a work on their way through town.

Strengthen the local arts community

We want to create opportunities for local and emerging artists while also connecting Cambridge with artists and artistic practices from across Aotearoa.

How art is selected

Good public art depends on good judgement.

CPAT is establishing an expert curatorial process to guide the way sites, stories and artists are identified, and how works are commissioned and installed.

The aim is to make sure decisions are informed, considered and connected to the places in which the art will live.

Working with Waipā District Council

Cambridge Public Art Trust works in partnership with Waipā District Council.

Council and the Trust have established a formal relationship to support the development of public art in Cambridge, while ensuring works on public land are appropriately planned, approved and managed.

Our Trustees

Cambridge Public Art Trust is governed by a group of local trustees who share responsibility for the direction and stewardship of the Trust.

Get in touch
Chairperson

Meredith Osmond

Growing up in a family that created and collected art, Meredith developed an early appreciation for creativity and the way art can enrich people’s lives.

She brings extensive experience in leadership, governance and organisational development, with a career spanning social work, management consultancy and community leadership, including serving as Chair of Age Concern Waikato.

Meredith believes that public art has a unique ability to connect people, spark conversations and contribute to a strong sense of place.

Through the Cambridge Public Art Trust, she hopes to share that lifelong appreciation for art while helping create a more vibrant and engaging town for everyone.

Board Member

Jocelyn Cooney QSM

Jocelyn has been part of the Cambridge community for more than 40 years and has dedicated much of that time to supporting local people, organisations and initiatives.

A respected lawyer and recipient of the Queen’s Service Medal (QSM) for services to the community, Jocelyn is a founding trustee of the Cambridge Autumn Festival and has contributed to organisations including the Cambridge Safer Community Trust and Linda Jones Riding for the Disabled Cambridge Foundation.

She has a deep appreciation for Cambridge’s history, character and community spirit, and believes in preserving what makes the town special while embracing new opportunities.

For Jocelyn, the Cambridge Public Art Trust offers another way to contribute to the town she loves and create something meaningful for future generations.

Board Member

Andy Newman

Andy brings extensive business leadership and governance experience to the Cambridge Public Art Trust.

As co-founder and CEO of Frank Risk Management, he has spent nearly three decades working with businesses, building relationships and helping organisations navigate challenges and opportunities. He also serves on the board of Urban Miners, supporting its work in the local community.

With a strong appreciation for community initiatives and the value they bring to local life, Andy believes in supporting projects that make a positive and lasting difference.

Through his involvement with the Trust, he hopes to help create opportunities for public art that adds character to Cambridge and can be enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.

Board Member

Angus Claasen

Angus brings a background in accounting and finance, working with Cambridge-based Doyle Accountants, where he contributes to a team supporting local businesses and their financial success.

Alongside his professional career, Angus has represented New Zealand in competitive cycling, giving him an appreciation for teamwork, dedication and working towards shared goals.

With strong connections to the local business community, Angus is passionate about supporting initiatives that contribute to Cambridge’s future.

Through the Cambridge Public Art Trust, he hopes to play a part in creating public art experiences that strengthen the town’s identity and bring lasting value to the community.

Board Member

Jason Tiller

With a background in marketing, brand strategy and business leadership, Jason has spent much of his career helping organisations tell their stories, connect with people and grow.

As CEO of Unbound, he works with businesses and organisations across New Zealand, bringing together creative thinking, strategy and practical delivery.

Jason also serves on the boards of Urban Miners and the Cambridge Town Hall Community Trust. He believes that creativity plays an important role in shaping how people experience and connect with the places around them.

For Jason, the Cambridge Public Art Trust is an opportunity to bring together his interests in creativity, community and storytelling, helping make public art a more visible and valued part of Cambridge.

Board Member

Karen May QSM

With a genuine love for Cambridge and its people, Karen is passionate about community, creativity and making a difference.

A recipient of the Queen’s Service Medal (QSM) for her contribution to the community, Karen has spent many years volunteering, supporting local organisations and helping bring people and ideas together.

She believes public art has the power to inspire, create conversations and add character to the places we call home.

For Karen, being part of the Cambridge Public Art Trust is another opportunity to give back to a town she loves, while helping create something special for generations to enjoy.