Soapbox, a new sculpture that explores the theme of women’s suffrage in New Zealand, is set to be unveiled at Killarney Park in Takapuna on 25 May 2019. The public art work was designed by a local team of architects, graduates and designers in collaboration with Jasmax.

The sculpture takes the form of a raised plinth or platform and pays homage to Kate Sheppard and other suffragettes, referencing the traditional ‘soapboxes’ used by those early trail blazers to spread their message of women’s rights.

Olivia Collinson, Vanessa Coxhead, Stephanie Darlington, Prue Fea, Jayne Kersten, and Madeleine Racz formed the collective behind the piece, and they were commissioned by Auckland Council through an expression of interest process to create an artwork in celebration of the 125th anniversary of women’s suffrage in New Zealand.

Fea, a senior architect at Jasmax, said, “By creating a raised platform to view the lake, we want people to feel empowered and to take a long view of history, one that encompasses the past and future generations. We believe that the voices of women and indigenous people are critical in shaping the future of a sustainable world.”

Fellow architect Darlington explains: “Rather than an impromptu act on a makeshift platform, this evolution references the considered and articulate public speeches of the Suffragettes in favour of the women’s vote. The nearby Pumphouse Theatre has established the park as a place for boldness and creative expression. This is continued in the possibility that Soapbox presents as a place for rhetoric.”

The piece will be unveiled at a free public event on 25 May 2019 from 11am to 1pm, with performances by local artists. Click here for more information on the event.