Let's get more art on the street: Riff Raff man

Source: http://www.stuff.co.nz/stuff/waikatotimes/0,2106,3058781a6579,00.html

09 October 2004 
By LUCY REED

The man who pushed for a statue of Riff Raff in Hamilton wants people to start thinking about what the next statue will be.


Mark Servian said the city needed more public art.

"Let's not think we have got Riff Raff and that's all we need, let's get more art."

A statue of Riff Raff, a character in the Rocky Horror Picture Show created by former Hamilton man Richard O'Brien, will be unveiled on Victoria St at midnight on November 26.

Now living in Wellington but planning to return to Hamilton, Mr Servian said a recent change in Hamilton City Council's art policy would mean public art no longer took four years to get on the street like Riff Raff.

Mr Servian said it felt great to know his project was almost completed and after being involved in the performing arts it was good to leave behind something more tangible.

He said Riff Raff would be a drawcard for visitors to the city but more importantly he hoped it would lift the perception of Hamilton for those living here.

In particular the statue was acknowledging what artists did there, especially those more "underground".

It said to them that they were welcome in Hamilton.

Mr Servian had not yet seen the statue, which is getting its finishing touches at Weta Workshops in Wellington.