A swarm of 30 artist-designed bees have taken up residence in Wellington for Life Flight’s free Bee in the City public art trail.
Presented by Mills Albert, Bee in the City opened on Monday and runs until 8 November, placing one-of-a-kind sculptures at locations throughout the CBD and waterfront.
The trail will invite Wellingtonians and visitors to walk, explore and see familiar parts of the city differently, while raising awareness and funds for Life Flight’s air ambulance services.
The public will be able to follow the trail by downloading the Bee in the City free map app discover the story behind each design and learn about the artist and sponsor who brought it to life. The experience is free, family-friendly and designed to be explored all at once or over repeat visits.
“Wellington has always embraced creativity, character and a good reason to come together. Bee in the City brings all three into the streets, while connecting people with Life Flight and the life- saving work made possible by our supporters,” said Chief Executive of Life Flight, Mark Johnston.
Wellington is embracing the trail across the city, with several iconic landmarks and key city assets to be lit in yellow and dark throughout the event, reflecting community support for Life Flight and helping build excitement for the giant bee sculptures.
Each giant bee has been created by a professional artist and sponsored by a business or organisation. The sculptures are part of a wider programme that also includes smaller ‘learner bees’, giving participating schools and young people across the region their own opportunity to create, contribute and be part of the trail.
Bee in the City has been developed with Wild in Art, the organisation behind public art trails around the world. Similar events, including Whale Tails in Auckland and Elmer’s Ōtautahi Elephant Trail in Christchurch, have shown how large-scale artworks can encourage people to explore their city, support local activity and share a collective experience.
“The bees are joyful and impossible to miss, but they also carry an important message. Every sculpture gives us another opportunity to explain why Life Flight must be ready around the clock, and how public support helps our teams reach people when minutes matter,” Mr Johnston said.
At the close of the eight-week trail, all the giant bees will gather for a farewell weekend on 21and 22nd November at Queens Wharf, giving the public a final chance to see the full collection together. The sculptures will then be auctioned on 26th November, with proceeds supporting Life Flight’s air ambulance services.
Life Flight operates around the clock, helping transport critically ill and injured people to urgent medical care. Bee in the City gives Wellington a visible way to support that mission while celebrating the artists, schools, sponsors and communities helping bring the trail to life.
Visit www.beeinthecity.org.nz for the map, accessibility information, event updates and details of the farewell weekend and auction.
