Kunstautomat is an art vending machine installed in Christchurch’s Arts Centre South Quad. The machine is first of its kind in the southern hemisphere and is donated by German artist Lars Kaiser. Kaiser has been repurposing old vending machines in Europe for many years but this is the first time the machine has been brought to the Southern Hemisphere.
Christchurch City Council Arts Advisor Zara Potts came across the machine while on a trip to Berlin and got in touch with Lars.
Kaiser liked the idea and designed and configured a machine specifically for Christchurch so it could take NZ money (3 of $2 coins) and dispense a cigarette box-sized piece of art.
“For that price you get a piece of handcrafted art which could be a painting, tiny sculpture, photograph, drawing, a cartoon or any other type of art you can imagine,” Zara Potts said.
“There’s something exciting about not knowing exactly what’s about to come out of the machine. They’ll be great pieces to collect and just a bit of fun.”
Kaiser has also designed the machine with Christchurch’s iconic Cathedral and a tram.
Christchurch will be getting three Kunstautomat machines which have been donated by Kaiser and installed through a partnership between him, Toi Otautahi and the Goethe-Instuit NZ.
The project will later provide an opportunity for NZ artists who would be able to sell their work through the machines not just here but also in Europe. Money raised will go towards supporting the artists.
The project is part of the Christchurch Council’s arts strategy Toi Otautahi, aimed at supporting and the local arts sector and creative community.