The owner of the building housing the TSB Bank in the heart of Tauranga’s city centre is proud to announce the commencement of an exterior mural, crafted by local artist Millie Newitt, also known by her business name, Murals by Millie. The new artwork will not only serve as a visual spectacle but will also act as a protective barrier against graffiti, enhancing the bank’s aesthetic appeal while showcasing native Aotearoa imagery.
The recent exterior refresh of the TSB Bank building, completed just six weeks ago, presented an opportunity for the building owner to commission a mural by a local artist. Seeking guidance from Creative Bay of Plenty, an arts organisation that supports artists and facilitates collaboration, a shortlist of artists was presented to the owner. After a selection process, Millie Newitt has been selected for the commission.
A seasoned artist with a diverse background in fine arts and media, Millie brings a wealth of creative experience to this project. Having previously worked as a gallery curator, art advisor, and event manager in Tauranga, Millie’s passion for art shines through in her creations.
“It’s exciting to transform TSB Bank’s exterior with patterns, shapes, and colors inspired by New Zealand’s unique flora and fauna,” says Millie. “Pōhutukawa will feature, linking in with the nearby FinDAC mural, creating a cohesive narrative for the city centre. Realistically painted native birds will add another layer of depth.”
Millie will be on site creating the mural from Friday 8 December until Tuesday 12 December and invites the community to come down and check out her progress. Situated on the corner of Willow and Spring streets, the commission is a testament to the commitment of local businesses to arts and creativity and will contribute to the growth of public art in our city centre.
