The stealthy artist is snapped spraying on the signature IS message.

That is the question every EIT student and staff member is asking after chalked “What is IS?” messages started appearing around the Hawke’s Bay campus.

While everyone is aware that the IS question is likely to be related to the major rebranding of the Arts and Design School, only a handful of people seem to know what IS actually is. 

“And every one of those persons is sworn to secrecy,” insists Suzette Major, the head of school who is also refusing to explain the IS enigma. 

But is IS meant to stand for something?  Is IS a state of being?  Is IS an acronym?   Or is IS simply the third person singular of be? 

“That is our major surprise,” says Dr Major. “All is to be revealed on Friday evening at the launch of the school’s brilliant new brand.”   

A furtive figure seen lurking around the campus is very likely key to solving the mystery.  But where is he now?  Is the “What is IS?” message his work?  Is it a salute to Banksy, the pseudonymous British street artist  famous for his satirical and subversive graffiti? 

Above all else, everyone wants to know – what is IS about?