Creative New Zealand : Pan-artform festivals news feed

New Zealanders support for the arts is strong: survey results revealed

Mon, 28 May 2012 22:52:52 +1200

New Zealanders continue to enjoy and support the arts despite the difficult economic environment, according to Creative New Zealand’s latest survey.

Most New Zealanders (80%) agree the arts help define who we are as New Zealanders. Engagement in the arts also remains strong, with 85% of New Zealanders attending or being actively involved in the arts in the past 12 months.

The results are included in Creative New Zealand’s triennial survey, New Zealanders and the Arts: Attitudes, Attendance and Participation in 2011.

‘’As a nation we continue to value the arts highly and young New Zealanders, in particular, gain a strong sense of wellbeing from being creative,’’ says Creative New Zealand’s Chief Executive, Stephen Wainwright.

‘’This is despite the devastating Christchurch earthquakes and the difficult economic climate, both creating challenges for the arts sector.’’

The triennial survey also revealed some new findings:

Young New Zealanders are increasingly involved in the arts: four out of five young Kiwis (80%) like to do at least one creative arts activity in their spare time. And the arts makes them feel good about themselves, with nearly half (46%) saying they feel “brilliant” when being creative and a further third (38%) saying they feel “really good”.
Young New Zealanders rate being creative as a favourite pastime (80%), ahead of playing computer or video games (77%) and alongside watching TV and DVDs (80%).
Online engagement with the arts has grown significantly. In 2011, 51% of New Zealanders watched a performance or looked at art online, compared to 38% in 2008. This had a flow-on effect for attendance at live events, with 23% of online arts viewers attending the live event as a result, compared to just 15% in 2008.
Māori and Pacific arts events appeal to a broad range of New Zealanders. Almost three-quarters (74%) of those who attended a Māori arts event in the past 12 months did not identify as Māori and 88% of people who attended a Pacific arts event did not identify as from a Pacific Island ethnic group. “This strong interest in Māori and Pacific arts reflects both our changing demographics and who we are as a nation,’’ said Mr Wainwright.

New Zealanders and the Arts: Attitudes, Attendance and Participation in 2011 aims to provide insights that help the arts community and its supporters identify new trends in a changing environment and take up new opportunities. The research was conducted by independent research company Colmar Brunton and involved just over 3300 New Zealanders. It builds on previous research in 2005 and 2008.

More facts and figures:

The market for arts and culture in New Zealand is large, with 95% of those surveyed saying that they have been to at least one cultural event within the last three years – compared to 87% in Australia and 85% in the United Kingdom according to similar surveys in those countries.
Attendance at arts events in Christchurch has been severely affected by the earthquakes, with two-thirds of Christchurch residents saying they attend the arts less frequently.
Ninety percent of Christchurch people agree that arts and culture are vital to the re-building of the city, and 94% agree it is important for the city to be recognised for excellence in the arts.

A full report of the national results is available now at:

www.creativenz.govt.nz/nzersandthearts2011

The 2008 report is also available.

For further information and interview requests, please contact:

Rebecca Lancashire
Senior Communications Adviser
Creative New Zealand|
04 498 0725
027 677 8070
Rebecca.Lancashire@creativenz.govt.nz

Watch the launch video

Vodafone Foundation Canterbury Fund

Fri, 25 May 2012 20:18:35 +1200

What’s it all about?

The Vodafone Foundation Canterbury Fund was established in partnership with the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal Trust in 2011, to support the rebuilding of Christchurch. The aim is to make a positive, long term difference within Christchurch communities and be agile and flexible as needs emerge. Supporting youth is a major theme of the fund.

The Fund totals $4 million dollars with the first $1 million contributed by the Vodafone Group Foundation, the second $1 million contributed by the Vodafone NZ business and $2 million matched by the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal Trust.

Small Grants

In 2012 grants of between $5,000 and $50,000 will be made available for youth focused projects and capital/infrastructure projects.

more information

More about eligibility and how to apply on the vodafone website.

Do you know how well your online marketing is doing?

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 16:11:54 +1300

**"I know half my advertising isn't working, I just don't know which half." Lord Leverhulme**

Marketers in the cultural sector are hungry for advice and data that guides them in how to set relevant targets and evaluate their marketing success, or otherwise.

Responses to scoping research conducted last year for Optimise – Creative New Zealand’s online marketing capability building programme showed that:

almost half of respondents were not yet tracking online marketing activity
fewer than 20% of organisations were using the available data to make marketing decisions that might improve RoI or effectiveness

To improve online marketing practice, Creative New Zealand is inviting you to be part of a groundbreaking project, Optimiser, that will give you tangible information about your current online marketing activity’s success. Optimiser will provide you with the data and evidence to make smart decisions about your marketing investments.

Optimiser is a pilot project that will collect online marketing data for the arts sector and develop benchmarks to allow you to compare your results against other New Zealand arts organisations for the first time. Optimiser will be led by respected arts marketing consultants Vicki Allpress Hill of The Audience Connection and Tim Roberts of ARTS Australia and will use real data from organisations to answer six burning questions heard regularly from New Zealand arts managers:

ARE WE OPTIMISED? Are we doing as well online as we should or could be?
WHAT SELLS TICKETS?Which online activity results in the most ticket sales?
COMMENCING A RELATIONSHIP:What should my acquisition activity look like?
GOING MOBILE:How should we adapt to mobile trends?
WHAT’S MY EMAIL RoI?Is my email marketing hitting the mark?

6. BEYOND SALES:How valuable is our social media activity?

Project Leader, Vicki Allpress Hill of the Audience Connection, says that “We consistently see a desire for comparative benchmarks expressed at workshops and seminars within the sector in New Zealand. Online marketing benchmarks, and the lack of them, remain a key issue for the cultural sector in New Zealand.”

Issues include:

limited knowledge within arts organisations of how to use analytics tools to extract meaningful data upon which to base decisions
confusion around how to evaluate success
a lack of standardisation of online analytics tools being used across the sector

Optimiser is a pilot online marketing benchmarking study – the first of its kind in the arts sector in New Zealand. An extension of the ongoing Optimise programme, the study offers an opportunity for fine-tuning of online marketing in the arts to enhance drivers and reduce barriers to attendance.

New Zealandarts organizations and venues are invited to be an Optimiser. Project participants will receive a number of benefits that will help them to be a better online marketer:

We’ll check that your online analytics are set up correctly to measure your activity.
You’ll receive a tailored report about your online marketing results and how they compare to the sector. Your data will remain confidential. It will go into an aggregated pool and be segmented to be included in comparisons relevant to your business.
We’ll run a free Facebook advertising campaign for you
You’ll learn how to read, interpret and act on your online marketing analytics.

To participate you must meet the simple criteria outlined at Optimiser and complete the easy online sign-up form no later than Monday 2 April 2012. Participants will be accepted in order of application, so the sooner you apply, the more chance you have of being a part of the project.

This is an internationally unique project and is the first time we will have sector-wide benchmarks specifically relevant to New Zealand arts organisations. Don’t miss this opportunity to be included and have access to real online measures you can use.

Smart talk - Why Give? The Art of Philanthropy

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 10:24:17 +1300

Why Give? is an opportunity to hear directly from three Aucklanders who have shown generosity to our city that will last beyond their lifetimes.

Leading current affairs journalist Mark Crysell will facilitate a conversation with arts patron and philanthropist Dayle Mace, visual arts charitable trustee Sue Gardiner and education benefactor Gretchen Goldwater about philanthropy, its challenges and the immense satisfaction that comes from their giving.

The evening will also provide a rare opportunity to go behind the scenes with Museum curators to see how bequests and philanthropic giving have shaped the Museum.

GALS choir will perform and light refreshments will be served.

The Museum Circle and Philanthropy New Zealand are proud to partner this event.

Please RSVP rsvp@aucklandmuseum.com or phone 306 7031

Read about other events at the Auckland Museum

Countdown to Festival opening

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 15:55:33 +1300

Prepare for 24 days of extraordinary arts experiences when the 2012 New Zealand International Arts Festival opens this Friday, 24 February.

Around 900 artists from around the globe will descend on Wellington and fill its theatres – and streets – for New Zealand’s largest multi-arts festival. The 2012 programme spans everything from salsa to Shakespeare, from home-grown opera to fairy tales and features artists from as far afield as the Sahara and as close to home as Newtown.

“The 2012 Festival programme has been greeted with huge enthusiasm,’’ says Festival Executive Chair Kerry Prendergast. ‘’Wellington audiences have embraced the Festival and we’re also attracting increasing numbers from all over the country. Whether it’s the high-energy physical theatre of the National Theatre of Scotland’s Beautiful Burnout, the charm and wit of Circus Ronaldo’s vintage Big Top or the magical Fijian love story, Masi, there’s something for everyone. With nine world premieres, the new Town Hall Gigs and a feast of Shakespeare, there is plenty to choose from.’’

The opening weekend kicks off with the free First Contact 2012 opening night party on the waterfront: the Festival ‘’fan zone’’. Artist Michel Tuffery’s vibrant projected artworks will transform the facade of Te Papa into a moving canvas from 8.30pm, with music and dance from the Whitireia Performing Arts School, The Nomad, Horomona Horo – and more. From 6pm, French acrobats Les Philébulistes will perform Arcane, jaw-dropping feats atop their giant wheels at Waitangi Park.

The city’s theatres will pulse to the irresistible Brazilian rhythms of Grupo Corpo with Parabelo/Onqotô ; the devilish fairy tale of Kneehigh Theatre’s The Wild Bride; the monumental Stravinsky double-bill, Oedipus Rex and Symphony of Psalms and Pan Pan Theatre’s unique take on Hamlet, The Rehearsal, Playing the Dane. The TelstraClear Festival Club, on Odlin’s Plaza, opens with the Barons of Tang’s ‘’gypsy death core’’.

Other highlights of opening weekend include Taki Rua’s epic Michael James Manaia, and the New Zealand String Quartet begins its 25th anniversary celebrations with Beethoven! The Age of Enlightenment at St Mary of the Angels church. Tickets for most shows start at $38-$48.
For those who have never been to a Festival event before, head down to the First Contact centre, in front of Te Papa throughout the Festival, for a chance to win discounted tickets.

Creative New Zealand honours the people of Canterbury

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 09:14:31 +1300

Kua taka te wā, kua huri te tau. Kei te tangi mātou o Toi Aotearoa ki ngā mate kua hinga i te rū whenua i Ōtautahi me ō rātou whānau e tangi haehae ana i te mamae i tēnei rā whakamaumahara. Kei te mōteatea ngā mahara mō rātau kua hinga rā, kua rere ki te kāhui rangatira, te kahui o Pūaka. Nā reira moe mai rā.

Creative New Zealand pays deep respect to the people of Canterbury on the anniversary of the earthquake that devastated its people, places and spirit.

Our immediate thoughts go to those who suffered great personal tragedy in the loss of loved ones, a year ago today.

During the months of slow and steady rebuild, we have seen many people fight to keep the arts alive. Communities throughout Canterbury have turned to the arts to express their grief and loss and to lift their spirits.

There have been many voices calling for a place for the arts in Christchurch’s future. Creative New Zealand stands firmly beside them and pledges its continued support to the arts community.

We commend and honour your spirit of resilience, especially on this day of remembrance.

Grants to improve access to arts events and venues

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 09:03:43 +1300

Arts organisations and venues will become more accessible this year, thanks to 11 grants provided by Creative New Zealand for projects ranging from sign language interpretations and audio described performances to music workshops and concerts for disabled children and young adults, and improved physical access.

Totalling $30,000, the one-off grants are being administered by Arts Access Aotearoa through its Arts For All Programme, a partnership programme with Creative New Zealand. The aim of this programme is to work with representatives from the disability sector to support arts organisations, venues and producers to improve their access.

Stephen Wainwright, Chief Executive, Creative New Zealand said the one-off grants signal the organisation’s commitment to supporting improved access to arts events for all New Zealanders. They complement the publication Arts for All: opening doors to disabled people and the annual Big ‘A’ Creative New Zealand Arts for All Award.

“It’s great to see the range of projects and the organisations’ enthusiasm to build new audiences by making performances, facilities and information more accessible to disabled people,” he said. “I look forward to seeing the long-term impact of this investment and of Arts Access Aotearoa’s Arts for All Programme.”

Richard Benge, Executive Director, Arts Access Aotearoa said the one-off grants build on the work being done through the Arts For All Programme. They have also prompted valuable discussions with the organisations.

“I am very pleased to see the level of commitment and creative ideas coming from the arts community to improve access for everyone wanting to engage in the arts,” he said.

The 11 grant recipients will also contribute their own funding to their projects.

The following is a complete list of grants:

$3000 to Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki to increase access to its programmes, provide disability awareness training for staff, and provide a series of signed talks about works in its collection in 2012
$3000 to the Auckland Theatre Company to install ramps in its premises and make its website more accessible to people with a visual impairment
$3000 to Capital E National Theatre for Children to provide signed performances of three different works in its 2012 programme
$3000 to Chamber Music New Zealand to present a workshop and concert in the Wellington Town Hall for disabled children and young adults so they can experience live music up close, and interact with musicians and their instruments
$3000 to Fortune Theatre, Dunedin to establish best practice methodologies for audio-described performances and present six audio-described performances in 2012
$3000 to the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra to increase the number of its performances to students in special needs schools in Auckland
$1150 to Pablos Art Studios, Wellington to provide staff training for its tutors, enhancing their engagement with those studio’s artists who have visual, hearing or communication impairments
$3000 to Q Theatre, Auckland to develop an accessibility policy and action plan, promote its access to a wide audience, and provide disability awareness training for staff, board and management
$3000 to Silo Theatre, Auckland to provide signed performances of Tribes by Nina Raine, an award-winning work about the politics of communication for hearing, hearing impaired and Deaf people
$1850 to Studio2, Dunedin to display artwork by disabled artists to professional standards in its exhibition space
$3000 to the Theatre Royal Charitable Trust, Christchurch to contribute to the installation of an accessible lift, catering for disabled patrons, to the upper levels of the Isaac Theatre Royal.

For more information, please contact:

IonaMcNaughton, Communications Manager, Arts Access Aotearoa

(T: 04-802 4356 / 021 799 059 E: iona.mcnaughton@artsaccess.org.nz)

Writers and Readers Week Programme Announced

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 21:35:41 +1300

A dynamic and diverse group of the finest international and national writers will converge on Wellington in March for the New Zealand International Arts Festival’s Writers and Readers Week.

This eagerly anticipated Festival week begins with world-leading environmentalist Tim Flannery who will open the Town Hall Talks. Inspirational feminist Germaine Greer will deliver a life and times session, and three-time Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times columnist Thomas Friedman will give the closing address.

Wellington’s Embassy Theatre, home base for Writers and Readers Week, hosts an impressive array of writers discussing secrets and crimes, says Programme Manager, Anne Chamberlain. “Secrets about writing, secret histories, and secrets about exploring the world in fact, fiction and fantasy.”

Man Booker prize-winner Alan Hollinghurst discusses his recently released highly-acclaimed novel The Stranger’s Child; British biographer Selina Hastings reveals The Secret Lives of Somerset Maugham; Kate Grenville and Kim Scott dig deep into Australia’s past; German writer Jenny Erpenbeck explores Germany’s dark history; Columbian writer Juan Gabriel Vásquez discusses The Secret History of Costaguana; Ron Rash reveals life in the moody, rugged Appalachians and Kelly Link explores other worldly realms of fantasy and magic realism.

British screenwriter and playwright Robert Shearman discusses how he famously returned the Dalek to Doctor Who in 2005, in an episode initially viewed by 8.6 million people. This session includes a screening of his Dalek episode.
International best-selling Norwegian Jo Nesbø heads up a crime strand including Scottish novelist Denise Mina and three of New Zealand’s own crime writers - Paul Cleave, Vanda Symon and Paul Thomas.

British poet and translator Michael Hulse, Toronto’s Poet Laureate Dionne Brand and New Zealand poet Harry Ricketts share their poetry. New Zealand’s first Poet Laureate Bill Manhire hosts a public poetry masterclass, and the famous dead poet is included in a session where Germaine Greer examines the life of women in Shakespeare’s day.
Where Were You in 72? brings together Germaine Greer, Marilyn Waring and Sandra Coney to discuss past, current and future social and political issues. Chris Bourke uncovers the history of New Zealand’s popular music and Auckland scientist Michael Corballis journeys around the human mind.
Image: Richard Haughton
New Zealand fiction writers include Patrick Evans delving into the imagined world of Janet Frame and Frank Sargeson, Fiona Farrell on working and living with the Christchurch quakes, and Paula Morris and Linda Olsson discussing their life and work. Also featured are emerging writers Eleanor Catton, Hamish Clayton and Craig Cliff.
The Festival’s Art on the Move programme includes sessions with New Zealand’s Emerging Writers in Masterton and International Poets at Paekakariki Dionne Brand and Michael Hulse.
Tim Flannery will also address secondary school students at the Wellington Town Hall on Friday 9 March. Other Schools Day writers are Elizabeth Knox, American fantasy slipstream writer Kelly Link, and award-winning New Zealand young adult fiction writers Bernard Beckett and Jane Higgins.

Young Writers and Readers Day at Downstage Theatre on Sunday 11 March provides a rare opportunity to experience three of New Zealand’s most-loved children’s writers - Lynley Dodd, Gavin Bishop and Margaret Mahy.

Three lunchtime sessions at Downstage focus on the business of writing - Why Isn’t Theatre Dead Yet?, The Art of Translation and Are We the Last Real Book Readers?
The Town Hall Talks; Young Writers and Readers Day; Art on the Move; Schools Day; Bookmark Pass and Take Five Pass are on sale now. The multi-passes offer generous discounts to Embassy and Downstage sessions, with The Bookmark Pass entitling holders to a preferential booking period from Friday 27 January 2012. Public bookings for Embassy and Downstage sessions open at 9am on Friday 3 February.

Teachers can make Schools Day bookings directly through the Festival website. Tickets to all other Writers and Readers Week events are available through Ticketek.

Writers and Readers Week is supported by the Lion Foundation, Victoria University of Wellington, Unity Books, Museum Art Hotel, Australian High Commission, Canada Council for the Arts, Embassy of Spain, Goethe Institut, John F Kennedy Memorial Fellowship and Instituto Cervantes.

PledgeMe re-launch

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 18:26:43 +1300

New Zealand’s first creative crowdfunding platform PledgeMe will re-launch this month with a brand spanking new website and celebratory party. The online initiative is the brainchild of Wellington-based entrepreneurs Anna Guenther and Camilo Borges, and offers Kiwi creatives alternative options in funding their projects.

In a similar vein to American crowdfunding giant kickstarter.com, users of pledgeme.co.nz can post project ideas online for people to help fund in return for a creative reward. Following its inception in 2011, more than $10,000 has been raised through the site, with Wellington band St Rupertsberg raising $1800 in seven days to fund the post-production work on their first album. The site has also helped secure funding for post-production work on a documentary featuring Kiwi artists living in Berlin.

PledgeMe founder Anna Guenther said “…All types of creatives can use PledgeMe - we’ve helped fund projects in film, music, art and journalism and there is potential for so much more. I believe what we’ve seen is just the tip of the iceberg...”

A refurbished version of pledgeme.co.nz will launch on January 25, followed by a shindig at Meow in Wellington on Friday, February 3. Entertainment will include live music from Jeremy Mason, Amy Bowie, Mangle and Gruff and more. Those that arrive before 8pm will get a dollar pledged to the PledgeMe project of their choice.

For more info see, http://www.pledgeme.co.nz

Premiere Vanguard New Zealand Works

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:53:49 +1300

Pioneering debuts from esteemed kiwi artists Josh Rutter, Alexa Wilson, A Slightly Isolated Dog Ltd and Talking House converge upon Aotea Centre this February, when the New Performance Festival welcomes some of New Zealand’s brightest talent to share their latest offerings.

Experimental choreographer Alexa Wilson , who cleaned up at the Auckland Fringe Awards with her 2011 work Weg-a-Way, debuts her latest work with collaborator and former Shortland Street cast member Nisha Madhan. Holding a mirror up to our obsession with celebrity; Show Pony satirises the world of talk show, television, celebrity ‘cult’ culture and public therapy through the lens of innovative performance. This self-referential work royally mocks their public roles in performance in New Zealand.

Dunedin’s Talking House productions follow their 2010 theatre highlight Hush with new work Be|Longing: A Verbatim Play. Armed with only MP3 players the performers have sometimes described themselves as ‘avatars’, re-enacting whole conversations by replicating the emotions and body language of their interviewees. These interviews are fed to the actors live via headphones to offer up a fascinating new experience in documentary theatre.

Recently returned from North American and European tours, performance artist Josh Rutter gets back into the ring with Dance like a Butterfly Dream Boy. Gleefully stealing from prepubescent vlogs, protein supplement package design and Hungarian backyard wrestling, Josh creates a powerful and comedic comment on male identity. Rutter has danced for many of New Zealand’s leading choreographers and has collaborated with international performance artists, choreographers, musicians and theatre makers.

With the festival’s most intriguing title, Vague Meditations and the Irresponsible Use of a Time Machine, Wellington theatre company A Slightly Isolated Dog reveal an absorbing mix of discussion and performance. Their latest collaborative effort between artist and punter invites audiences to upload audio, video and stills, melding social networking and new media into imaginative worlds.

IMMERSE YOURSELF IN A GENRE-BLURRING 8 DAY FESTIVAL...
BE | LONGING: A VERBATIM PLAY: 22nd and 23rd, 7:45pm Lower NZI 1, Aotea Centre – Adults $25, Concessions $20 (booking fees will apply)

DANCE LIKE A BUTTERFLY DREAM BOY: 22nd & 23rd February 9pm
Rooftop, Level 5, Aotea Centre – Adults $10 (booking fees will apply)
SHOW PONY: 24th and 25th, 6:30pm Lower NZI 3, Aotea Centre – Adults $25, Concessions $20 (booking fees will apply)

VAGUE MEDITATIONS AND THE IRRESPONSIBLE USE OF A TIME MACHINE: 23rd, 6:30pm
Lower NZI 3, Aotea Centre – Adults $10 (booking fees will apply)
All bookings through THE EDGE – www.buytickets.co.nz or 09 357 3355

Curated arts programme at Splore 2012

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 17:17:08 +1300

Splore 2012 will present another diverse programme of visual arts. Curated by Mark Osborne this year's festival is sure to engage the audience in fresh and fun ways. Expect a shift in thinking as Splore 2012 presents the programme across the whole Splore experience from the front entrance to the camping and festival site.

After several years of dreaming and around a year of negotiation and planning, Splore 2012 will feature a temporary structure from British public arts curator, Emma Underhill. She will collaborate with arts group Cut Collective and architect Jasper Middleton on 'Portavilion Splore 2012'.

'Portavilon Splore 2012' is a continuation of Underhill's Portavilion series that takes place in London's public spaces and explores the possibilities for temporary, large scale public art that engages the community and encourages participation.

Supported by British Council and Creative NZ, the project is a new move from Festival Director Amanda Wright to have international collaborations as part of the Splore programme.

"Underhill has done several brilliant public art projects in London parks and public spaces as well as the legendary Glastonbury festival and to have her collaborating with Cut Collective and architect Jasper Middleton on this project at Splore this summer brings the next level of innovation to the festival" says Wright. Cut Collective and Middleton produced an outstanding sculptural installation for Splore 2010 and this opportunity to work with Underhill and Splore to create a functional space that reflects Cut Collective and Middleton's concept is an opportunity to experiment and extend the groups arts practice.

Portavilion Splore 2012 will be the venue for a number of performances, community participation artworks and workshops for the audience to become immersed in during the festival. This project is an extension of the arts programme which includes an exciting blend of NZ's established and emerging artists and designers.

More art at Splore:

Christian Nicolson

Christian Nicolson returns this year with "I better explain myself". This is the fantasy world of a young boy. This piece uses well used characters, snippets from fairy tales and remembered imagery from the day before yesterday.

Ben Ku

Ben Upton Kemp is presenting "Windows". The work is based on the concept that if our eyes are the windows to our souls then the television is the window of the times. There will be approximately 24 televisions running on four separate channels. The 1st channel will run images of beautiful beaches and landscapes and the 2nd will run static to symbolise the birth of the universe. The 3rd channel will show people's faces interacting with themselves as if they are trapped within the screen and have grown to like it and the last will have a direct feed to the festival close to the display.

Sense Collective

Sense Collective will present Move - a full emersion interdisciplinary performance art experience where the audience is taken on a visceral journey through time and space. Sense Collective is a Trans Tasman interdisciplinary collaborative trio. Twins, Richard and Rebecca Swan, have an uncanny creative intuition and Charlotte Rose is long time friend and collaborator. She has composed works in response to Rebecca's images, performing this original work at the opening of Assume Nothing at The New Dowse. Move is designed to move the audience, physically, emotionally and energetically. Its impact is sensory, not intellectual, elevating people's experience of well being and connection to each other.

Marin Horspool

Marin Horspool Is returning with Splore Bot 1 who thrilled viewers at Splore 2010. This year he will be bringing his wife Slore Bot 2 for her first visit to the festival.

The Letting Space with Julian Priest

Wellington based The Letting Space are working with Julian Priest to present "Free of Charge", a personal grounding experience for the audience. This will take place at several sites throughout the festival.

Rhonda Menschen

Rhonda Menschen presents the Temple of Light and Darkness-a geometric structure pulses multi-coloured behind the silhouettes of night-time trees. As you draw closer, an entrance makes itself apparent and you cross the threshold. Inside, heavy, intoxicating incense hangs in the air, and the still forms of other party goers sit in repose behind diaphanous partitions, each bathing in a differently hued and scintillating field of light.

Rhonda Menschen's Temple of Light and Darkness uses energy efficient led lighting, new age rhetoric, and a bit of good old fashioned suggestion to guide participants through a light-hearted, and mind-expanding immersive experience. Rhonda will cleanse and energise party goers' light bodies in preparation for the 2012 global ascension, or on the other hand, perhaps she will just give them something pretty to look at while they a take some time out from the dance floor. Using colour and light as metaphors, Rhonda will urge participants to connect with and joyously express their best and brightest qualities.

Confirmed artists presenting at Splore 2012: Emma Emma Underhill (UK) from Up Projects and Cut Collective, Kirsty McDonald and Stephen Woodward, Serena Stevenson, Christian Nicolson, Hamish Bartle, Ashley Turner, Ben Ku, Sense Collective, Martin Horsplool, Julian Priest, Sopjie Jerram, Mark Amery, Morgan Mardell, Aaron McConchie, The splore trust, Rhonda Menschen, Hemish Bartle, Donna Sarten and Nigeal Scanlon.

About Splore

Splore is a festival experience like no other festival in New Zealand and is now firmly planted on the international entertainment circuit. As well as music performances Splore 2012 will include a curated visual arts programme, an eclectic line up of performing arts, a family zone and plenty of engaging projects that will delight and surprise the audience. Additionally, delicious food vendors, market stalls and fully licensed bars are also set up on site for audience convenience.

Staged at the stunning Tapapakanga Regional Park, the beach front location is sublime and is designed for the audience to camp in many forms on site for a fully immersive three days. Camping is included in the ticket price, unless you choose to upgrade to a reserved camping spot or campervan, or want a taste of glamorous camping (known as Glamping) for an additional price.

Experience Splore - 17-19 February 2012, Tapapakanga Regional Park, one hour (70km) south east of Auckland city.

Creative New Zealand announces further Earthquake Assistance Grants

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 15:10:26 +1300

In November and December 2011, Creative New Zealand approved a further $146,745 in grants from its Earthquake Emergency Response Fund to help re-establish an active arts scene in Christchurch.

“Our focus for the Earthquake Emergency Grants continues to be with the Christchurch artists and arts organisations directly affected. We have also supported New Zealand touring companies who have had to cancel performances because of the shortage of venues in the city, “ said Creative New Zealand Chief Executive Stephen Wainwright.

A range of Christchurch artists received funding to research and develop temporary venues, alongside funding for artists and organisations that have lost revenue due to cancelled performances.

Grants include $25,000 towards research, development and implementation of a mobile gallery model by Martin Trusttum; $6,120 towards rental costs for artists studios; $20,949 toward lost revenue and extra costs incurred by the National Theatre for Children following the cancellation of Christchurch hires and a performance; $10,359 to Christchurch musicians Pacific Underground to support the rebuilding of their company; and $25,000 to Chamber Music New Zealand for lost revenue and costs incurred following the cancellation of concerts.

In addition to the Earthquake Assistance Grants, Creative New Zealand has approved an extra $60,000 to the Christchurch City Council for the Creative Communities Scheme(CCS). This scheme provides financial support to communities to help them participate in and develop the arts.

To date a variety of community organisations have received CCS grants including the Chart Music Industry Trust which has been awarded $10,000 towards a temporary venue for music groups in Cashel Mall, the Dance & Physical Theatre Trust were awarded $5,000 towards ticket subsidies for school students for Body Festival, and the Te Taumatu Runanga Society$3,000 towards Te Atakura Kapahaka Festival.

Since September 2010, Creative New Zealand has provided nearly $1.8 million in grants to artists, arts practitioners, and arts organisations directly affected by the Christchurch earthquakes through its Earthquake Emergency Response Fund.

The fund was established in addition to Creative New Zealand’s existing funding programmes, including the Creative Communities Scheme.

Information about eligibility criteria for the Earthquake Emergency Response Fund and how to apply can be found on the Creative New Zealand website.

The next round of EAG assessments will be in February 2012.

List of EAG recipients, activity and amounts:

Chamber Music New ZealandLost revenue and extra costs incurred following the cancellation of Christchurch concerts, $25,000
National Theatre for Childrenlost revenue and extra costs incurred following the cancellation of Christchurch hires and a performance, $20,949
Pacific Undergroundsupport to rebuild their company, $10,359
Martin Trusttumtowards research, development and implementation of mobile gallery model, $ 25,000
Arts on Tour NZtowards storage of furniture, equipment and vehicle $3,577
Warren Feeney Towards rental costs for artists studios, $6,120
Strike PercussionLoss of incomedue to cancellation of concerts, $54,520
Maria Gobinet-Wattstowards leasing lockable space for tools/equipment at Latimer Square $1,220

Winning the wild experience

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 18:20:04 +1300

DOC and Creative New Zealand have announced the three artists who will take up a Wild Creations residency in 2012. They are: Dave Armstrong from Wellington, and Lynn Kelly and Sally Ann McIntyre from Dunedin.

Playwright Dave Armstrong will spend his residency in Bannockburn, Central Otago where he will research and work on a play dealing with the impact of humans on the landscape and the history of the area.

Jeweller Lynn Kelly is also going to Bannockburn, to develop a new body of work inspired by the plants, reptiles, insect life and minerals specific to the local environment.

Sound and radio artist Sally Ann McIntyre is going to Kapiti Island to explore and pay homage to the unique sound-print of the island, specifically the sounds of New Zealand native birds, and to communicate it in a variety of ways.

The Wild Creations artists-in-residence programme is a partnership between DOC and Creative New Zealand which combines conservation and art. “Wild Creations’ artists spend six weeks in some of New Zealand’s best natural environments and historic places,” said DOC’s Wild Creations Co-ordinator, Elena Sedouch. “They’re inspired by the place they visit and share the story of its history and people through their art, while also developing their own arts practice.”

Creative New Zealand offers the artists a $5,000 stipend and up to $2,000 for travel and materials, and DOC provides accommodation and support for the artists on location.

NZ Arts Awards recipients announced

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 16:55:04 +1300

Ten prestigious awards totalling $360,000 were presented tonight to New Zealand artists at the inaugural Macquarie Private Wealth New Zealand Arts Awards at the Viaduct Events Centre on Auckland's Waterfront.

The Arts Foundation awards included five $50,000 Laureate Awards, three $25,000 New Generation Awards, the $25,000 Marti Friedlander Photographic Award and the first $10,000 Mallinson Rendel Award for children's book illustrators.

Laureates announced include musician Whirimako Black, photographer Fiona Pardington, writer Emily Perkins, filmmaker Leanne Pooley and choreographer/director Lemi Ponifasio. Musician/artist Sam Hamilton, who is currently on tour with Lemi in Europe, received a New Generation Award alongside photographer Ben Cauchi and playwright Eli Kent. Fiona Pardington's brother Neil Pardinton received the Marti Friedlander Photographic Award and the inaugural recipient of the Mallinson Rendel Award is David Elliot.

The five hundred guests at the awards were greeted by a gallery of works by artists previously awarded by the Arts Foundation and artists who have been commissioned by the Arts Foundation for award trophies. Sculpture, paintings and photographs were joined by live theatre and digital sound art installation in an amazing display of New Zealand depth of artistic achievement. The ceremony concluded with 2010 New Generation Award recipient Anna Leese performing Zueignung by Richard Strauss. Anna sung as the curtains of the event centre were draw to reveal performers silhouetted by the nights sky surrounding the venue and then blasted by aviation search lights. The design of the extraordinary finish was donated by Marie Adams and Mike Mizrahi from Inside Out Productions.

Arts Foundation Chair, Fran Ricketts, said "the Arts Awards are an occasion for New Zealand to focus on the national and international achievements of our finest artists. She also said that the Awards were an opportunity to celebrate and grow philanthropic support for the arts. All of our awards are privately funded or secured. We expect to grow the amount of donations to artists presented at these awards through private partnerships and are already in discussion with a number of philanthropists about establishing new awards."

The Arts Foundation was a winner on the night. Ian Witters, Head of Macquarie Private Wealth New Zealand, announced that in addition to naming rights to the New Zealand Arts Awards, Macquarie Private Wealth New Zealand will be the Arts Foundation's Principal Partner. "The Arts Foundation's investment in talented New Zealanders and bringing us together as a nation, through these awards, is applauded by Macquarie Private Wealth New Zealand," said Ian. "We are thrilled to be able to partner with the Foundation to show our commitment to New Zealand and the entrepreneurial spirit embraced by the arts."

In conjunction with the Macquarie Private Wealth New Zealand Arts Awards the Foundation is producing a series of events on the Auckland Waterfront. The Wynyard Quarter Arts Series features a writers walk, outdoor cinema, a concert in silo park, a series of events in the Stoneleigh 'pop up' container bar an information hub where viewers can watch the TVNZ 7 series The Artists and there is a literary sandpit for children featuring the writing of Arts Foundation Icon, Margaret Mahy with illustrations by David Elliot. "The Series is introducing New Zealanders to our finest artists and ensuring public access to the celebration of the Macquarie Private Wealth New Zealand Arts Awards", said Fran Ricketts.

Polynesian Diva reigns supreme at Creative New Zealand Arts Pasifika Awards night

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 21:08:44 +1300

The Creative New Zealand Arts Pasifika Awards are the only national Pacific arts awards to celebrate artistic achievement across all art forms, with five awards presented on the night.

Visual artist Michel Tuffery (M.N.Z.M.), winner of last year’s Contemporary Pacific Artist Award and set to open the 2012 New Zealand International Arts Festival, gave the keynote speech; while respected musician and poet Tigilau Ness, father of hip hop icon Che Fu, was Master of Ceremonies.

Chair of Creative New Zealand’s Pacific Arts Committee, Pele Walker, said the awards are an opportunity to celebrate the creative success of those making a difference internationally, nationally and in local communities.

“The awards recognise the richness and diversity of Pacific culture in this country. We honour those who share their expertise, to preserve heritage artforms; and those who push boundaries, to create an exciting contemporary Pacific arts scene in New Zealand,” said Ms Walker.

Annie Crummer’s long-term artistic achievement was honoured with the Senior Pacific Artist Award and $10,000. Starting her music career as a child-performer, Ms Crummer released her first single at age 16 and as an established solo artist, has supported some of music’s biggest acts including Sir Paul McCartney, Ray Charles and Michael Jackson. Of Tahitian and Cook Island descent, Ms Crummer is a household name, with numerous music awards behind her. She has released two albums, a ‘best of’ CD, is working on her next album and has expanded her career to include musical theatre.

New media and installation artist Janet Lilo received the Contemporary Pacific Artist Award and $5,0000. An Aucklander of Samoan, Niuean and Māori ancestry, Ms Lilo uses digital and online platforms to provoke and challenge. Community and audience involvement is a signature of her work. Commended for her innovative practice , Ms Lilo presents insights into contemporary daily life for urban New Zealanders through landscapes, homes, communities and personalities. Ms Lilo’s work has been included in group exhibitions in Honolulu, Taiwan, Indonesia, Europe and Australia. She has recently returned from artist residencies in Japan and New Caledonia.

Christchurch based visual artist Kulimoe’anga Stone Maka suffered damage to his studio, equipment and artwork in the February earthquake. In his studio, Mr Maka had developed a contemporary technique based on the traditional Tongan practice of smoking mats. The resulting artwork has earned him artistic favour and the nickname ‘The Smoke Collector’. Mr Maka’s recent exhibition of smoke paintings, Ngatu Tu’uli – the Past is Now, has lead to invitations to exhibit overseas. His talent and promise was acknowledged by the Emerging Pacific Artist Award and $4,000.

Expert weaver Kalameli Ihaia-Alefosio received the Pacific Heritage Arts Award and $5,000 for the major contribution she has made to maintaining and promoting the art of Tokelauan weaving in New Zealand, especially the techniques and styles of her home island Nukunonu. Mrs Ihaia-Alefosio is an active member of Wellington’s Tokelauan Community and teaches at the first Tokelauan early childhood centre established in New Zealand.

Opera starlet Marlena Tifaimoana Devoe received the Iosefa Enari Memorial Award. This award recognises the late Samoan baritone Iosefa Enari’s contribution to the arts, particularly Pacific opera. Miss Devoe, a New Zealand born Samoan, is in her first year of study at the prestigious Manhattan School of Music, New York. Her award was accepted by her family.

ENDS

For media inquiries, including bios, please contact:

Pirimia Burger

Communications Advisor Maori and Pacific

pirimia.burger@creativenz.govt.nz

04 498 0727

Three arts organisations Optimise their online engagement

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 09:43:00 +1300

Three arts organisations will be part of a unique programme that provides guidance and expertise in online marketing.

Auckland Theatre Company, Auckland Arts Festival and Fortune Theatre, Dunedin will take part in Creative New Zealand’s Optimise programme - which is the only opportunity of its kind for the New Zealand arts sector.

In its second year the 2011-12 programme will assist these organisations to develop online capability and marketing skills for engaging arts audiences, through a one-on-one coaching programme, workshops and webinars.

Optimise was developed as a response to a strong identified need in the sector for advice, guidance and best practice principles in online marketing.

Dunedin–based Fortune Theatre’s Marketing and Communications Manager James Higgs says, “We are looking to develop an online strategy that will help the theatre move forward in a well structured and savvy way. We have just secured a sponsorship for the re-development of our website and it is timely to align a new online strategy with this re-development project.”

As part of this online strategy, Fortune Theatre’s ambitions include expanding their geographical reach (Otago and Southland), developing a larger and more informed theatre community, and increasing attendance and engagement with students and young professionals.

This year, Optimise will include one-to-one coaching for each company, as well as a series of workshops and webinars open to organisations throughout New Zealand and catering to different levels of ability and exposure. Vicki Allpress Hill (The Audience Connection) will lead the Optimise programme for this year. A respected online marketing consultant she works with the cultural sector in New Zealand and overseas.

Creative New Zealand and The Audience Connection will also be conducting a pilot benchmarking study looking at trends in online audience engagement to help improve arts organisations’ capability in online ROI (Return on Investment) and analytics. The pilot results will be presented at Creative New Zealand’s 21st Century Arts Conference in Wellington on 28tand 29 June, 2012.

To find out more about Optimise and the results achieved by the three companies who participated in the 2010/11 pilot (New Zealand Comedy Trust, Tautai Contemporary Pacific Arts Trust and Indian Ink Theatre Company ) follow this link.

Chance to attend a Major Gift Fundraising Masterclass - Wellington

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 15:17:00 +1300

The Ministry for Culture and Heritage would like to offer you the opportunity to attend an all-day masterclass on major gift fundraising, presented by major gifts specialist Canadian Guy Mallabone (of Global Philanthropic). Internationally recognised as an inspired leader in not-for-profit fundraising, Guy has over 30 years' experience in integrated fund development, including regular giving, major gifts and gift planning. For more information, see: http://www.guymallabone.com/

The masterclass will be held in Wellington on Monday 14 November. It will cost $389 per person and will run from 9.00am until 5.00pm, followed by refreshments and the opportunity to network with other invited guestsfrom a range of cultural organisations.

The masterclass, based on those run each year by Artsupport Australia, will be a challenging and practical opportunity to develop strategies and maximise income from major gifts. (Depending on the size of an organisation, a major gift could be anything from $500 to $5,000 or more.)

Ultimately, gift fundraising means asking someone for money face-to-face, not necessarily a natural or easy thing to do.Knowing when and how to ask is the most essential weapon in any effective fundraiser's arsenal. Participants will learn the strategic overview of major gift solicitation, review the elements that influence a decision, and examine the psychology of a successful ask and the secrets to success.

The masterclass is designed for general managers, CEOs and other senior staff experienced in development and philanthropic fundraising but it will also be accessible for new staff keen to learn. There is no limit on the number of attendees per organisation.

Guy's broad experience covers:

donor prospecting and qualification techniques
cultivation and solicitation strategies
campaign management
stewardship practices
board and organisational development
fund development
performance audit
feasibilitiy/planning studies, and
strategic planning.

We appreciate this is short notice but we hope you'll agree Guy's visit 'Down Under' is an opportunity too good to miss.

To guarantee your place at the masterclass, please confirm your attendance as soon as possible by emailing ingrid.kamstra@mch.govt.nz

There is also an opportunity the following morning (on Tuesday 15 November) for a more targeted session with Guy Mallabone to work through a fund development audit tool he has developed. This audit tool is designed to draw attention to 8 critical fundraising areas and to assess whether, in any particular organisation, they might need further work or consideration. It is designed to assist with fundraising/marketing/business planning, and is a useful way to measure effective progress in fund development. It enables better decision-making about where to start, what priorities to address first and how best to achieve your objectives to move forward.

There is a small additional charge to attend this second workshop ($35 if you're also attending the masterclass).This session will run from 9.00am until 12.30pm, and will also be in Wellington.

14th New Zealand Performing Arts Market announced for 5 & 6 March 2012, Wellington

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 14:53:00 +1300

This exciting event is to be held in the heart of Wellington’s prestigious waterfront at the purpose-built Te Raukura – Te Wharewaka o Poneke, from 5 & 6 March 2012. Registrations are currently open for both artists/producers (closing 25 November), and festivals/venues (closing 10 February).

The New Zealand Performing Arts Market is hosted once yearly by PANNZ (the Performing Arts Network of New Zealand) and provides a unique opportunity for presenters, venues and festivals to connect with artists, creators and producers.

The Market is New Zealand’s sole marketplace for the promotion of professional tour-ready dance, theatre and music productions. As well as a launching pad for finished works, it is an essential forum for building relationships, partnerships, and sharing seedling ideas that then develop into our shows of the future.

Attended by festival directors, venue managers, artists, producers and industry stakeholders, the Market is also a key opportunity for individuals and companies working in performing arts across Aotearoa to discuss and debate the issues facing our industry, and to build capacity within the sector.

Market Coordinator Mark Westerby says the Market has been growing steadily since it began in 1999 and that last years Market in Auckland drew record numbers. This year’s Market offers a professional but relaxed environment to introduce your company/production to potential partners and presenters. It is timed to coincide in Wellington with the New Zealand International Arts Festival and the Wellington Fringe Festival. Programme highlights of the Market include:

Pitch Sessions, in which Artist/Producers have 15 minutes to profile their work (with audiovisual support) to an audience of festivals and venues. This is a curated programme of tour-ready work decided by selection panel.
Breakfast of Bright Ideas, providing an opportunity for artists to introduce a new concept or work in development to a wider group. Presenters may identify projects to champion in future, or just enjoy a fun and creative start to their day. Length of presentations will be 2 – 4 minutes, pending the number of submissions.
The Exhibition Space, which creates the opportunity for artists/producers and industry organisations to showcase themselves at display booths. Market catering is served in the Exhibition space, ensuring high visibility and foot traffic through this area.
Workshops, a programme to share knowledge, diversify skills and build capability of the sector. This will include a walking tour of Wellington’s venues and panel or keynote discussions on key industry issues.

The New Zealand Performing Arts Market is happening in 2012 with the generous support of
Creative New Zealand.

For more information, to register, or to pitch your work, go to www.pannz.org.nz.

Or contact the PANNZ Co-ordinator:

Mark Westerby
Market Co-ordinator
PANNZ
PO Box 6513
Marion Square
Wellington 6011
Office: 04 802 3960
mark@pannz.org.nz

The 2012 New Zealand International Arts Festival is launched

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 19:00:00 +1300

The 2012 New Zealand International Arts Festival brings 24 extraordinary days of arts events to Wellington. With more than 300 incredible performances to savour, the Festival takes audiences from fairy tales to opera, from Shakespeare to salsa, from the Sahara Desert to a circus tent – and beyond.

One of the world’s great festival cities, around 300,000 festival-goers will converge on Wellington to enjoy the best music, theatre, dance, literature and visual arts from New Zealand and the world.

Wellington’s waterfront will be transformed for 2012, with a new Festival hub on the waterfront. Michel Tuffery’s vibrant multi-media artwork First Contact 2012 will turn Te Papa into a huge moving canvas every night at dusk; the Ronaldo circus dynasty’s vintage Big Top will be pitched on the foreshore; a giant acrobatic spectacle will bring crowds to Waitangi Park and our home-grown Spiegeltent, the TelstraClear Festival Club, will be set right in the heart of the action in Odlin’s Plaza, with acts including the Topp Twins and Finnish accordion rock star Kimmo Pohjonen.

“I am excited to launch the 2012 Festival programme,’’ says Artistic Director Lissa Twomey. “The 2012 Festival is full of exuberance, energy and physicality with performances to stir the heart and stimulate the senses. We welcome Festival favourites, including the National Theatre of Scotland with Beautiful Burnout (their Black Watch was a hit of the 2008 Festival). Renowned choreographer Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui (Sutra) returns with his dazzling new work TeZukA, inspired by Japanese comic books. James Thiérrée (The Junebug Symphony, Bright Abyss) astounds in Raoul and Britain’s Kneehigh theatre company brings their delightful fairy tale, The Wild Bride. Transporting and fun – the 2012 New Zealand International Arts Festival will bring audacious arts to Aoteoroa.’’

“The New Zealand work for 2012 is distinctively of and from Aotearoa,’’ Ms Twomey says. “The stand-out programme of Māori and Pacific Island work embraces the past while forging new and exciting futures. We are proud to present a brand-new opera Hōhepa, with NBR New Zealand Opera; other highlights include Lemi Ponifasio’s extraordinary dance work, Birds with Skymirrors; Patricia Grace’s award-winning novel Tu, brought to the stage by Hone Kouka, and The Conch’s Masi, a delightful Wellington cross-cultural love story, featuring special effects by Paul Kieve, magic adviser to the Harry Potter movies.”

There are nine world premieres for 2012. Also new are the Town Hall Gigs, including US indie sensations Bon Iver and a co-production with the Sydney Festival featuring five indigenous divas. Experience Shakespeare five ways with the Bard Wired series: performances include the UK’s acclaimed all-male Shakespeare company, Propeller. A Te Reo version of Troilus and Cressida premieres at the Festival before its season at London’s Globe Theatre. In an Irish Hamlet, a Great Dane threatens to steal the sh ow. Downstage Solos celebrate this most demanding of art forms, including Taki Rua’s Michael James Manaia and Germany’s anti-gravity phenomenon, Leo.

Writers and Readers Week brings leading commentators and writers to Wellington from 9-14 March. Writer and academic Germaine Greer, widely regarded as one of the most significant feminist voices of our time; Australian environmentalist, scientist and author Tim Flannery; three-time Pulitzer-Prize winning author Thomas Friedman; Man Booker Prize-winner Alan Hollinghurst;Norwegian crime writer Jo Nesbø and New Zealand’s own Margaret Mahy are among the impressive international and national line-up.

Tickets for most shows start at $38-$48 and there are many free events and great value packages.

“The 2012 New Zealand International Arts Festival offers everything from Cantina, a sultry late-night circus for grown-ups, to White, an utterly charming theatre experience for the very young,’’ Ms Twomey says.

The 2012 New Zealand International Arts Festival highlights include:
Dance

The UK’s dynamic young choreographer Hofesh Shechter with Political Mother.
Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui’s TeZukA, inspired by legendary Japanese manga artist Osamu Tezuka. Cherkaoui’s Sutra was a highlight of the 2010 Festival.
One of New Zealand’s greatest living artists, Lemi Ponifasio and his company, Mau, with his provocative new dance work, Birds with Skymirrors.

Theatre

Acclaimed British all-male Shakespeare company, Propeller, presents two productions, Henry V and The Winter’s Tale.
French artiste extraordinaire James Thiérrée (The Junebug Symphony, Bright Abyss) returns to the Festival with Raoul.
Innovative UK company Kneehigh’s dark and visceral fairy tale, The Wild Bride.

Music

A rarely performed Stravinsky double bill, Oedipus Rex and Symphony of Psalms, performed by the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra with The Chapman Tripp Opera Chorus of the NBR New Zealand Opera. Led by celebrated young conductor, Joana Carneiro, with soloists including Margaret Medlyn and Stuart Skelton.
The Barefoot Divas, five indigenous women performers, including Whirimako Black and Maisey Rika, perform their songs and tell their stories for Walk a Mile in My Shoes.
North African band Tinariwen with their hypnotic brand of ‘desert blues’.
One of the world’s greatest period ensembles, Britain’s The Sixteen perform in New Zealand for the first time, with their period-instrument orchestra.

Writers and Readers Week (9-14 March):
Feminist and academic Germaine Greer; Australian scientist and environmentalist Tim Flannery; three-times Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Thomas Friedman; British biographer Selina Hastings; Norwegian crime writer Jo Nesbø and Man Booker Prize-winning novelist Alan Hollinghurst. The full Writers and Readers Week programme will be announced on 26 January, 2012.

Visual Arts
Contemporary New Zealand sculpture at City Gallery; the 2012 Adam Portraiture Award at the New Zealand Portrait Gallery and internationally acclaimed Mexican artist, Teresa Margolles, at the Dowse Art Museum.

11.11.11 - Upstage Festival only days away

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 16:44:00 +1300

34 artists are collaborating around the world to produce the 12 different shows that make up the 11:11:11 UpStage Festival (11 November 2011). Among the performers are three groups of primary students from South Westland.

In the global day from 11am on 11/11/11 in Aotearoa/New Zealand until 11pm on 11/11/11 in Europe, an exciting selection of cyberformance (live online performance) will be presented at 11:11:11 the fifth annual UpStage Festival.

Anyone with a standard internet connection and browser can attend with just one click, or by visiting physical venues in galleries, museums, theatre spaces, media workshops, and schools here and overseas.

Links to the online stages and schedule are here

See the Real Life physical locations you can visit here

The festival starts in the 11:11:11 Foyer where the festival architects and the international curatorial panel will help audience through to premium viewing in the each of the 12 shows. Neatly coinciding with Armistice day, the first show Cyberian Chalk Circle which takes a Brecht classic to the Eygptian uprising, and questions what we have learned since the horrors of WW1.

Traverse the globe and the education spectrum from this practice based research project to the next group of works which have been created by the school students. Beginning with a collaborative piece which weaves a tale of mystery and navigation performed by three students who have produced works in the last two UpStage festivals.

These three have been leading a peer tutoring project to teach two further groups of students how to use UpStage and devise theatre online, both hands on and through remote technologies. The two shows produced use as their narrative base familiar fairytales and rhymes adding a unique perspective through plot twists, audio and visual trickery.

The student groups will perform each of their shows twice, interspersed with works by artists located in from Scotland, Italy, Serbia, Netherlands, USA and Korea. The northern hemisphere participants range from experienced cyberformers to artists new to the medium of live online performance through Upstage. These artists perform shows that explore in a range of media; classic tales, dance, cultural concepts from ancient and modern times and automated religious practices through the human computer interface.

The full schedule of performances to be presented at the 11:11:11 UpStage Festival is available
online with links to each stage going live on the day: http://upstage.org.nz/blog/?page_id=2828

The 11:11:11 UpStage Festival is the fifth festival of live online performance (cyberformance) using
the web-based platform UpStage (http://upstage.org.nz/blog/?page_id=2). Performances are created by artists – from school students to established digital artists – who collaborate in real time using a range of digital media. All that is required for the audience to attend is a standard browser and domestic internet connection.

A full list of the 11:11:11 UpStage Festival performances, the schedule with live on the day links to each stage and more information is available on the UpStage web site: http://upstage.org.nz/blog/?page_id=2350

For further information and interviews, contact:
Vicki Smith (Aotearoa/New Zealand): 021 778067

Creative New Zealand announces further Earthquake Assistance Grants

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 13:22:00 +1300

Creative New Zealand has approved a further $54,159 in grants from its Earthquake Emergency Response Fund in September, to help re-establish an active arts scene in Christchurch.

Grants include $9,000 towards a series of wānanga for local kapa haka in support of Māori Heritage Arts, $22,150 to assist the Centre of Contemporary Art (CoCA) with transitional programming, $5000 to Christchurch artist Miranda Parkes to restage an exhibition at the Sarjeant Gallery in Wanganui, and $3200 to Pacific artist Kulimoe’anga Stone Maka towards the costof replacing lost equipment.

“One of the most exciting aspects of the aftermath of the earthquakes is to see how responsive the Christchurch arts community has been to its new surrounds. It is important for Creative New Zealand to aid the sector to rebuild the arts infrastructure and in doing so, engage the Canterbury community,” said Creative New Zealand Chief Executive Stephen Wainwright.

CoCA will use its funds for a new programme of exhibitions.

“While we wait for engineering and insurance reports, CoCA will keep supporting the arts. We are pursuing on-site and off-site projects that will demonstrate the vital role of contemporary art to the recovery of the city,” said Board Trustee, Dr Jessica Halliday.

“Our on-site Window Projects will be in the full-height window of our building and safely visible from the street. The first two projects will be: Secular Variations, a moving-image installation by Ed Lust and We Won't Have Legs To Stand, a kinetic sculpture and film project by Sam Eng. A vital aspect of these projects is that both are with local artists and are curated by a young local curator, Chloe Geoghegan. We hope to launch the first one in the new year.”

Since September 2010, Creative New Zealand has provided more than $1.65 million in grants to artists, arts practitioners, and arts organisations directly affected by the Christchurch earthquakes, through its Earthquake Emergency Response Fund.

The fund was established in addition to Creative New Zealand’s existing funding programmes, including the Creative Communities Scheme.

Information about eligibility criteria for the Earthquake Emergency Response Fund and how to apply can be found on the Creative New Zealand website.

List of recipients, activity and amounts:

Waitaha whānau support towards a series of wānanga for local kapa haka, $9000

National Concerto Competition towards covering anticipated loss on 2011-12 competition, $11,250

CoCA towards transitional programming, $22,150

Elizabeth Moyle towards the cost of lost equipment and materials, $3,559

Miranda Parkes towards restaging an exhibition at the Sarjeant Gallery, $5,000

Kulimoe’anga Stone Maka towards the cost of replacing lost equipment, $3,200.

Artbox Auction 27 October - Fundraising for Christchurch Artists

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 10:23:00 +1300

Your support is requested for the ArtBox Auction, featuring work by more than 50 leading New Zealand artists to be held at Webb's Auction House, Auckland, 27 October at 7pm. All funds raised will contribute to new spaces for Christchurch artists.

ArtBox has been created to address the serious shortage of galleries and studios in Christchurch.

Transportable gallery and studio modules that can be interlocked and clustered to create temporary arts precincts will be rented to Christchurch artists at a minimal weekly charge.

In the first stages,18 modules will be built for $12,500 each. These have already been booked for use by 100 Christchurch artists. Funds raised will contribute towards the construction of these first 18 modules.

ArtBox is supported nationally by leading New Zealand artists including: Don Binney, Nigel Brown, Dick Frizzell, Kristy Gorman, Jason Greig, Sam Harrison, Glen Hayward, Andrew Hemer, Simon Kaan, Hannah Kidd, Peata Larkin, Tony de Lautour, Julia Morison, Miranda Parkes, Seraphine Pick, Jude Rae, Michael Smither, Marte Szirmay, Michel Tuffery, Philip Trusttum, Wayne Youle, and many more.

To view the works for auction and to bid visit:

http://www.webbs.co.nz/auction/artbox-auction

To see and learn more about ArtBox visit: http://artboxnz.weebly.com/

Bids may also be made by phone on the night.

Creative New Zealand mourns the loss of former Chair of Arts Council - Christopher Doig

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 16:52:00 +1300

Creative New Zealand the Arts Council of New Zealand mourns the loss of international opera singer, sports administrator and Southern Opera founder Christopher Doig.

“Chris was a remarkable man, and in many ways a force of nature,“ says Creative New Zealand Chief Executive Stephen Wainwright. “Not only was he a celebrated artist in his own right, he also used his knowledge and experience to champion the idea of arts-business partnerships because he never saw the obstacles others saw, he only saw opportunity.”

“His generosity was extraordinary, and even during his illness he considered himself to be a fortunate man. His drive and determination was manifested in the extraordinary efforts he went to bring Placido Domingo and Katherine Jenkins to Christchurch. Chris knew that this event would strike a chord with Cantabrians, lift spirits and bring the community together. The sold-out concert ensured that key Christchurch arts organisations were financial beneficiaries.”

Christopher Doig was appointed Chair of the Arts Council in May 2006, before leaving in early 2007 to take up the role of Executive Chairperson for Southern Opera ensuring the survival of opera in the South Island.

Born and educated in Christchurch and graduating from Canterbury University with a Masters degree in English. Chris was a former director of the 1990 and 1992 New Zealand Festivals, and had been a professional singer for more than 25 years.

After winning the 1972 Mobil Song Quest he became a principal tenor at the Vienna State Opera and spent the next 10 years singing in the major opera houses in Europe including Stuttgart, Hamburg, La Scala, Barcelona, Linz and Cologne, and the Salzburg and Vienna Festivals. In 1995 he relinquished his full-time singing career to become the Chief Executive of New Zealand Cricket, a job in which he distinguished himself transforming NZC into a dynamic vibrant modern business and sporting organisation, until he resigned in March 2001.

In 1992 he received a prestigious Green Room award for his performance as Herod in Australian Opera’s Salome and was awarded the OBE for his services to the arts. In more recent years he revitalised the sponsorship of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra spearheading their campaign to secure sponsorship for their overseas tours.

Chris was the Director of the New Zealand International Arts Festival from April 1988 to April 1992. During that time the Festival started producing its own opera beginning with Die Meistersinger von Nürnberg, which was an enormous success and garnered the festival a much needed public profile At the same time, he introduced a fringe festival, a school’s programme and began to umbrella New Zealand work, including bringing Jim Moriarty on board to develop and programme a season of Maori work Te Raku Hua O Te Wao Tapu. He also introduced the dawn ceremony, which has started every festival since, as acknowledgement of the contribution made by Maori culture to the festival.

Chris managed his own business as a consultant specialising in the sports, arts and entertainment sector, and had a number of directorships.

Frankie Stevens Honoured by Contemporary Māori Art World

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 16:59:00 +1300

Award-winning singer, songwriter, actor, and television personality Frankie Stevens was last night honoured as the celebrity guest for the gala opening of the MAORI ART MARKet at Te Rauparaha Arena in Porirua, Wellington.

MAORI ART MARKet has previously honoured the Maori Queen, Dame Te Atairangikaahu, Sir Howard Morrison and Inia Te Wiata.

Creative director for the MAORI ART MARKet Darcy Nicholas said Frankie Stevens has a glittering world class singing and acting career. He had many firsts for New Zealand and was now making a name for himself helping young people make a success in the entertainment industry.

Frankie has rubbed shoulders and joined on stage some of the world's best known singers including Shirley Bassey, Des O'Connor, Sammy Davis Jnr and Olivia Newton John. He was selected to play the High Priest in Harry M Miller's New Zealand touring theatre production of "Jesus Christ Superstar" and was later joined by his younger brother Jon, who played the role of Judas.

He has made guest appearances on television shows in Australia, Great Britain, USA and New Zealand and acted in a James Bond movie, Swiss Family Robinson, Hercules, Lawless and the Matrix 2.

"I once played a Russian spy in the television series Hawaii Five O," Frankie said, "not bad for a Maori boy from Upper Hutt."

He always wanted to be a singer, joining his school band at 13 and launching his own professional career aged 16 when he moved to Sydney to join a group called 'Peter Nelson and the Castaways'. In Sydney he met Tom Jones, who invited him to London.

When he got to London and re-introduced himself to Tom Jones with "Hi, I'm Frankie Stevens from Upper Hutt", the super-star singer couldn't remember him, but after hearing his voice he signed him up for Jones's record label at the same time Gilbert O'Sullivan was signed.

The 2011 MAORI ART MARKet is open to the public as of today.

Festival of Pacific Arts 2012 application reminder

Mon, 03 Oct 2011 09:57:00 +1300

Applications to represent Aotearoa/New Zealand at the 11th Festival of Pacific Arts close at the end of this month (October 2011).

Māori and New Zealand-based Pacific artists are encouraged to take the opportunity to present a distinct Aotearoa voice at this premier arts and culture event for the peoples of the Pacific.

The Festival of Pacific Arts takes places every four years bringing together more than 2000 artists and other cultural practitioners.

In July next year a Creative New Zealand led delegation will participate in the 11th Festival of Arts in Honiara, Solomon Islands. Invitations are extended to the indigenous people of each country and Creative New Zealand is supporting and co-ordinating the New Zealand delegation.

“As tangata whenua of New Zealand, Te Waka Toi, the Māori arts board of Creative New Zealand has extended the invitation to Pacific artists based in New Zealand,” said Te Waka Toi Chair Darrin Haimona.

Mr Haimona says, “This is an opportunity for Māori and Pacific artists to share their artistry and cultural traditions, with a view to the future. Ultimately, the chosen artists will represent the best of traditional and contemporary arts from Aotearoa New Zealand”.

Expressions of interest are sought from accomplished and emerging Māori and New Zealand-based Pacific artists. The opportunity is open to individual artists and groups that practice a wide range of artforms, including heritage and contemporary arts.

Selected works will relate to the festival’s theme, "Culture in Harmony with Nature".

Aotearoa New Zealand has sent a delegation to every festival since 1972 and has included weavers, sculptors, carvers, theatre groups, storytellers, dancers, musicians and kapa haka.

The application form, selection criteria and information about the festival’s theme are available on the Creative New Zealand website: www.creativenz.govt.nz

Applications close Monday 31 October 2011, 5.00pm.

Request for exhibition proposals from Christchurch based artists

Wed, 21 Sep 2011 14:33:00 +1200

Expressions of interest for solo and group exhibitions by artists based in Christchurch are requested for the period January — December 2012 in Chambers@241 art gallery at 241 Moorhouse Avenue, Christchurch.

Proposal will be considered for exhibitions in either of two gallery spaces or in both. The
gallery spaces available are:

52 Square metres with 21 running metres of wall space.
22 Square metres with 11 running metres of wall space.

Proposals are requested by emaii. Please state:

Which gallery space or spaces you wish to use
Which month you wish to exhibit in (Choose a preferred month)
Dimensions and media of works for exhibition
Optional: A short statement about your practice and an exhibition title
Any requirements regarding installation, hanging placement of work, use of technical equipment, etc
2 to 4 images of your current work

Please email your proposal, no later than 20 November 2011 to: warrenfeeney@xtra.co.nz. This is the second of three requests for expressions of interest.

A selection panel consisting of Warren Feeney, Ronald Mottram and Felicity Milburn, Curator at Christchurch Art Gallery will consider all proposals. Artists will be notiﬁed regarding the success or otherwise of their proposal no later than 9 December.

Chambers@241 will promote the exhibition with an exhibition opening, media releases and listings in newspapers, magazines and websites.

If you have any queries regarding your proposal, please email: warrenfeeney@xtra.co.nz

Proposals held over from the previous request for submissions will be reconsidered.

Chambers@241 is supported by Creative New Zealand, Placemakers Riccarton and the CPIT Facaulty of Creative Industries.

Earthquake Emergency Arts Grants passes $1.5 million mark

Mon, 19 Sep 2011 14:18:00 +1200

Creative New Zealand has approved more than $1.5 million in grants from its Earthquake Emergency Response Fund.

The support for Christchurch arts has allowed organisations like the Christchurch Festival to offer subsidised ticket prices for events while also providing some much-needed economic security to artists and organisations in the post-earthquake environment.

In the latest August round of twelve earthquake emergency assistance grants $660,000 was approved to help re-establish an active arts scene in Christchurch.

“It has been a priority for Creative New Zealand to aid the rebuilding of the arts infrastructure in one of our largest creative centres,” said Creative New Zealand Chief Executive Stephen Wainwright.

“We already know that the arts have the power to entertain and enhance a sense of well-being. It has been essential for the people of Christchurch in these incredibly difficult times to find solace in creative activity,” he said.

Grants include up to $40,000 to help the World Buskers Festival Trust to relocates to Hagley Park, $10,000 towards professional development and new work by two Maori weavers - Reihana Parata and Morehu Flutey-Henare, and $12,957 to support a fundraiser for new mobile galleries.

“We are also pleased to provide support to a diverse range of activity which plays such an important part in promoting the arts and its infrastructure in the city,” Stephen Wainwright said.

Since September 2010, Creative New Zealand has provided more than $1,522,680 in grants to artists, arts practitioners, and arts organisations directly affected by the Christchurch earthquakes through its Earthquake Emergency Response Fund.

The fund was established in addition to Creative New Zealand’s existing funding programmes, including the Creative Communities Scheme.

Information about eligibility criteria for the Earthquake Emergency Response Fund and how to apply can be found on the Creative New Zealand website.

List of recipients, activity and amounts:

Kim Lowe towards the cost of lost materials and commitments to upcoming exhibitions, $2000
The Court Theatre towards the refit of the Addington site, $500,000
Jeremy Leeming towards lost equipment, tools and travel costs for exhibition at Quoil, $2300
Arts Voice towards the preparation of the Arts Voice submission to the Christchurch City Council’s City Plan, $19,530
Christchurch Symphony Orchestra towards loss of contracted work, $71,475
Wellington Jazz Orchestra towards concert and workshop in Christchurch, $5,300
Warren Feeney towards fundraiser to implement mobile gallery model, $12,957
Cheryl Lucastowards lost equipment and tools to enable artist to continue to produce work, $3,018
Down by the Liffey Gallery Society Inc towards cost of refit of a hanging and lighting system for a new community gallery, $2,500
World Buskers Festival Trust towards cost of relocation cost Hagley Park, $40,000
Reihana Parata and Morehu Flutey-Henare towards equipment to make new work and travel and stipend to a weaving hui, $10,000
Robert Hood towards venue fee and freight costs for an exhibition in Australia, $1,000

For more information contact:

Hannah Evans

Creative New Zealand

04 498 0725 / 027 677 8070

$3 billion in lottery funding for the community reached

Wed, 14 Sep 2011 09:42:00 +1200

Minister of Internal Affairs Nathan Guy has congratulated New Zealand Lotteries on reaching the milestone of $3 billion raised for community funds, celebrated at a function in Wellington on Tuesday night.

"Since the first Lotto draw on 1 August 1987, NZ Lotteries have done an outstanding job of raising money for the community. A total of $3 billion has now been raised from the proceeds of games like Lotto, Instant Kiwi, Big Wednesday and Keno.

"This has made an enormous contribution to the social fabric of New Zealand. It would be nearly impossible to list all of the cultural, social, sporting, recreational and community causes that have benefited from lottery grants.

"Age Concern, St John, Barnardos, Plunket, Women's Refuges and Cancer Societies are just a few organisations that have received funding, along with major institutions like Te Papa and the Zealandia wildlife sanctuary.

"Creative New Zealand, the New Zealand Film Commission, and Sport and Recreation New Zealand also receive millions of dollars every year.

"This year $8.2 million was raised for the Christchurch earthquake appeal through a special purpose Lotto draw, and a further $6 million was also allocated to the appeal.

"Lottery funding has also supported local celebrations around the Rugby World Cup, with $9.5 million going to support events as part of the REAL New Zealand Festival. This funding has really helped the World Cup become an event for all New Zealanders.

"Everyone who has brought a Lotto ticket over the last 24 years has played a part in achieving this great milestone for the community," says Mr Guy.

Artist in Residence programmes in Asia - call for applications

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 15:19:19 +1300

The Asia New Zealand Foundation is calling for applications for its six artist-in-residence programmes for 2012.

The rapid economic and social changes taking place in Asia have created some dynamic emerging contemporary art scenes. The region is being visited by an increasing number of international artists who want to engage in these changes first-hand.

Successful candidates will live and work in Asia at one of six prestigious residency organisations for two to three months, and will have the opportunity to meet and work with other international artists and curators.

The six programmes are:

1Shanthi Road, Bangalore, India
Changdong Art Studio, Seoul, Korea
Institute for Provocation, Beijing, China
NS43 exchange, S-AiR Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan
Taipei Artist Village, Taiwan
Three Shadows, Beijing, China

Preference will be given to projects with potential for artistic collaboration and exhibition outcomes. Successful candidates will be required to provide progress reports of their residency to Asia:NZ, and to seek opportunities to share their experience on their return to New Zealand. This could mean an exhibition, a series of presentations or artists talks, or publication of articles.

For more information and how to apply visit the Asia NZ Foundation website.

REAL New Zealand Festival - More Than 1000 Events Around The Country For Rugby World Cup 2011

Thu, 08 Sep 2011 12:25:00 +1200

With just days to go to the first match of Rugby World Cup 2011, the REAL New Zealand Festival has hit the magic number - more than 1000 events and experiences stretching the length and breadth of the country and all showing aspects of New Zealand life.

REAL New Zealand Festival Director Briony Ellis says she is absolutely delighted at how the Festival has come together, saying the number of events has now topped 1100 and Kiwis have "risen to the challenge. This is our Festival. It celebrates who we are as New Zealanders," she says.

"If it's quintessentially Kiwi, then chances are you'll find it in there - from food and wine to theatre; Rugby events to art exhibitions; sport and recreation; business innovation, sheep shearing, Maori culture and music."

Briony says almost every community in New Zealand is involved and the Festival enhances people's Rugby World Cup 2011 experience offering events and opportunities to "follow the Rugby the long way around.

"So if you're following Australia, you have the last pool play match in Nelson on October 1 and then we expect you would be heading to Wellington for the Quarter Finals, but you have a week in between games - plenty of time to head to the West Coast for the Whitebait Festival or to Blenheim for Marlborough Wine and Cuisine at Brancott Vineyard."

Briony says experience planners on the REAL New Zealand Festival website provide easy ways for anyone to put together personalised itineraries based either on where and when they are travelling, or on the team they are following.

"We want people to stay longer, go further and see and experience more of the real New Zealand."

Briony has been delighted with some of the creative ideas which event organisers have come up with. "I love Rugby, Haka and Hangi in five locations on the East Coast - it's a chance for anyone to come along, play a game of rugby with the locals, learn the haka and enjoy a hangi."

She adds that the REAL New Zealand Festival is for New Zealanders as well. "We know of at least three groups - and there will be more - who have converted a bus and are hitting the road to travel between matches and will be taking in plenty of Festival events along the way."

New Zealand 2011 Office Director Leon Grice says among the REAL New Zealand Festival are more than 250 REAL New Zealand Showcase events which are open to the public. "This represents the largest expo of business innovation and capability in our country's history. Together with Festival events, the full programme presents the complete picture of life in New Zealand."

The REAL New Zealand Festival is run by the New Zealand 2011 Office (NZ 2011) as one of three key programmes which have focused on getting New Zealand and New Zealanders behind RWC 2011 to show international visitors a great time while showcasing New Zealand's uniqueness.

For more information on the REAL New Zealand Festival, visit www.realnzfestival.com