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Riff Raff to become an on-line mecca
ALTERNATIVE VIEW: Mark Servian with an early version of the Riff Raff statue. (PETER DRURY/Waikato Times) Source: http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/waikatotimes/0,2106,3877402a6004,00.html 25 November 2006
By AARON LEAMAN A website has been launched celebrating Hamilton's controversial Riff Raff statue. The launch coincides with the two-year anniversary of the statue's unveiling. Hamilton man Mark Servian was the driving force behind the statue, and worked in partnership with Arts Waikato and Hamilton-based company Black Sheep Creative to launch the website. Featured on the website will be alternative sketch designs of the Riff Raff statue by Weta Workshop as well as photographs from the statue's unveiling. Mr Servian said plans were also well under way to set up a web-cam so live footage of the statue could be seen around the world. "It will become a virtual pilgrimage site for Rocky fans worldwide," Mr Servian said. The Perry Foundation, which funded the statue's construction, will pay for the website's ongoing costs. Arts Waikato and Black Sheep Creative set up a scheme last month to design and create websites for Waikato arts groups and artists. Arts Waikato chief executive Hilary Falconer said she hoped the Riff Raff site would encourage groups throughout the Waikato to showcase their work on the internet. "Riff Raff instantly became a Hamilton icon and we need more arts icons in the region," she said. "It brings the creative culture of the city to the public's attention . . ." Last week the the Riff Raff statue drew criticism from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Church member Tony McKenna said Riff Raff glorified "homosexual sub-culture". Mr Servian said it was unfortunate the Mormons did not have more imagination.
"As much as they may not like the sexual content of the Rocky Horror Show, the underlying message is really positive, which is 'Don't dream it, be it'. "Riff Raff is about being yourself and feeling happy." Statue's website: www.riffraffstatue.org
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