Creative New Zealand : Theatre 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.

Tawata Productions' World premiere season of new work, "Sunset Road"

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 10:07:10 +1200

Sunset Road is the much anticipated stage play from controversial New Zealand born Cook Islands playwright, Miria George.

Miria’s plays include the provocative and what remains, boutique musical He Reo Aroha (co-written with Jamie McCaskill), and the gritty Urban Hymns, which have been performed in international festivals around the world including the United Kingdom, Hawai’i, Australia and Canada to much acclaim.

Sunset Road is Miria’s first stageplay since the unflinching Urban Hymns in 2009. Her focus recently has been producing theatre, with works including the multi award winning I, George Nepia in 2011 and the epic Tu for the New Zealand International Arts Festival in 2012.

Miria’s journey from poet, to playwright to theatre producer now sees a welcome return to playwrighting with this coming of age drama. Schooled in New Zealand, the Cooks Islands and Costa Rica, Miria is the daughter of renown Cook Islands visual artist Ian George.

Sunset Road is Miria's first play focussing on her Cook Islands whakapapa. The world premiere season will be perfomred at Circa Theatre, 1 Taranaki Street, Wellington: June 20 – July 7, 2012.

Sunset Road is written and directed by Miria George and features design by Tony de Goldi (New Zealand International Arts Festival 2012 Hohepa), Ulli Briese (New Zealand International Arts Festival 2012 Tu), Karnan Saba (New Zealand International Arts Festival 2012 Tu) and Cook Islands dancer and choreographer Tai Paitai.

Sunset Road is a highlight event of Wellington’s Matariki Celebrations, which runs alongside Matariki Development Festival 2012, an international indigenous playwrights festival also at Circa Theatre.

For more information, high-res images and to arrange interviews, please contact:
Hone Kouka, Tawata Productions

021 128 9004

tawata@tawata.co.nz

Synopsis
Akarongo mai...
Summer, 1975. Rotorua, New Zealand.
Jimi Hendrix, motorbikes, ika mata and the dawn raids.

It’s two days before twins Luka and Lucia finally cross in to adulthood. Free, they roam the steam filled streets of Rotorua on Luka’s trusty Bonneville and dream of taking on the world. Luka desperate to escape, Lucia to become Miss Geyserland.

The twins work with their devout father at the local sawmill, uninspiring to them, for him where he has been since he first brought his family to this dry and broken land. A near death experience drags father back to memories of Atiu, Cook Islands and the secrets and mistakes of his past, shaking the family’s foundations and ultimate love of each other.

A coming of age. Sunset Road.

Creative New Zealand mourns the passing of Grant Tilly

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 16:24:22 +1200

Creative New Zealand Chief Executive Stephen Wainwright expressed his sadness at the passing of noted New Zealand actor, designer, teacher and artist Grant Tilly.

“Grant made a significant contribution to all facets of New Zealand theatre. His involvement in Unity Theatre, in the early days of Downstage and as a founding member of Circa has helped build a strong and dynamic theatre scene. Grant’s teaching at the New Zealand Drama School (now Toi Whakaari) helped many New Zealand actor’s learn and develop their craft. He also worked as an artist creating amazing works that will be part of an enduring legacy. On behalf of all of Creative New Zealand’s staff and members of the Arts Council, Arts Board and Te Waka Toi and the Pacific Arts Committee, I wish to express our condolences to Grant’s family and his many friends.”

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

A daring new production of Rigoletto

Tue, 27 Mar 2012 09:16:38 +1300

“Any production of Rigoletto that is not daring is not doing its job. It’s not that I’m out to shock but to honestly present a good argument about the piece. I listen to the music, look at the work from the audience’s point of view and try to take them along and propel them out at the end of the night with something.” [Lindy Hume, Director]

The NBR New Zealand Opera’s new production of Verdi’s Rigoletto, being performed in Wellington (19–26 May) and Auckland (7–17 June), is a fine example of the company’s policy of bringing old war horses to life again.

Verdi’s heart-breaking tale of love and deception has been a popular favourite of the operatic repertoire ever since its première in 1851, and amid its gorgeous music, it features one of the most recognisable arias in all opera, ‘La donna è mobile’.

On programming this popular work, Aidan Lang, General Director of The NBR New Zealand Opera, decided to bring in Lindy Hume, whose 2007 Lucia di Lammermoor so thrilled its audiences, to direct a new production and inject new life into the opera.

“This Rigoletto will be bracing and fresh,” Lang says. “Lindy is essentially giving the opera an acid bath – she’s removing the trappings of the traditional look of Rigoletto and being true to the heart of the story and what the composer sought to project.

“By engaging the characters and drama in a much more dynamic and meaningful way, Lindy will force an active rather than a passive experience for the audience – they won’t just get a pretty costume drama.”

The core issues at the heart of Rigoletto are as pertinent today as they were in Verdi’s time, so it’s fitting that this production, with its stunning design by Richard Roberts, is set in a contemporary environment, in a world the audience will recognise, if not always like.

Hume has a reputation for productions that are intelligent and well thought out theatrically, and her approach enables her to achieve exemplary performances from her singers. This production will be no exception.

RIGOLETTO

by Giuseppe Verdi

Sung in Italian with English surtitles

CREATIVE TEAM

Conductor WYN DAVIES

Director LINDY HUME

Production Designer RICHARD ROBERTS

Lighting Designer JASON MORPHETT

CAST

Rigoletto WARWICK FYFE

Duke of Mantua RAFAEL ROJAS

Gilda EMMA PEARSON

Sparafucile ASHRAF SEWAILAM

Maddalena KRISTIN DARRAGH

Count Monterone RODNEY MACANN

Count Ceprano JAMES CLAYTON

Matteo Borsa DEREK HILL

Cavaliere Marullo MATTHEW LANDRETH

Countess Ceprano EMMA FRASER

Giovanna WENDY DOYLE

The Usher MOSES MACKAY

Accompanied by the Vector Wellington Orchestra and the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra

With the Chapman Tripp Opera Chorus

WELLINGTON – St James Theatre

Sat 19, Thu 24 & Sat 26 May – 7.30pm, Tue 22 May – 6pm

AUCKLAND – ASB Theatre, Aotea Centre

Thu 7, Sat 9, Wed 13 & Fri 15 June – 7:30pm, Sun 17 June – 2:30pm

Single Tickets: $49.50 to $189.50. Concessions available for benefactors, senior citizens, students and group bookings. Service fees apply.

Bookings: NZ Opera Box Office, Tel (09) 379 4068 or (04) 499 8343, or:

Wellington: Ticketek, Tel 0800 TICKETEK (0800 842 538) or www.ticketek.co.nz

Auckland: The Edge, Tel 0800 BUYTICKETS (0800 289 842) or www.the-edge.co.nz

Further information: www.nzopera.com

Maori playwright wins Adam NZ Play Award with story of coming home

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 16:40:25 +1200

Mitch Tawhi Thomas (Ngati Maniapoto) has won the 2012 Adam New Zealand Play Award for his play Hui. The award was presented at a ceremony in Wellington's Circa Theatre this weekend.

The Adam New Zealand Play Award recognises and celebrates the best in new writing for the theatre. The annual award, now in its fifth year, is the only one of its kind for new writing. Further special award winners were also recognised at the ceremony including playwrights Dawn Cheong, Philip Braithwaite, Jonathan Riley and Pip Hall.

Hui presents the story of four brothers who are drawn home to mourn the death of their father Bob - presiding over this forced reunion, dead in his armchair. Tempers have not cooled nor have old wounds healed in the 20-years since last these brothers were together. What ensues is a harrowing, charged and stormy night where these brothers must confront the past, take responsibility for the present and ultimately find a way forward.

With devastating clarity and courage Hui grapples with the concepts of love, loss and how, for these brothers, they have come to define each other.

"Hui's characters are ones that have been absent from our stages. This testosterone fuelled provocation invites the male population to look closely at themselves." says Director of Playmarket Murray Lynch, who announced the win at Circa Theatre on 24 March 2012 alongside the four other special award winners. A rehearsed reading of Hui followed the announcement.

Playmarket's only entrance requirements for nominations for The Adam New Zealand Play Awardare that the playwright be a New Zealandcitizen or permanent resident and that the play has not had a professional production. The freedom to submit plays of any length, style or cast size and without the burden of considering a play's affordability or a Theatre's demands has inspired some outstanding work, and seen submissions nearly double this year.

Mitch Tawhi Thomas (Ngati Maniapoto) was presented the Bruce Mason Playwriting Award in 2002, recognising early success in his playwriting career. Coupling (1994), Doughboy (1996), Take it or Leave it (1998), Have Car Will Travel (2001 and published by Tawata Press 2010) and Jangle (2010) all premiered at BATS Theatre inWellington.

In 2010 Mitch led the Basement programme at Centrepoint Theatre in Palmerston North where he spent the year teaching Drama workshops to teenagers and where he wrote and directed the play Smashed.

Mitch completed a Graduate Diploma in Teaching last year and is now living and teaching in Northland.

Thanks to the generosity of the Adam Foundation, Mitch received a cash prize of $5000.

ADAM AWARD WINNER 2012 and
BEST PLAY BY A MAORI PLAYWRIGHT:
Mitch Tawhi Thomas for Hui

Playmarket also announced the following category winners:

RUNNER-UP and
BEST PLAY BY A WOMAN PLAYWRIGHT and
THE PLAY PRESS SUBMISSION TO SUSAN BLACKBURN PRIZE:
Dawn Cheong for Remnants of the Silk Maker's Ghosts

RUNNER-UP:
Philip Braithwaite for White City

BEST PLAY BY A PASIFIKA PLAYWRIGHT:
Jonathan Riley for Makigi

PUMPHOUSE THEATRE PRIZE FOR AN AUCKLANDPLAYWRIGHT:
Pip Hall for Ache

Dogs say bonhour, hola and good day to you!

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 15:25:05 +1300

From the pen of best-selling New Zealand author, Jenny Pattrick, comes Around the World and Buck Again... that’s right… Buck again! The latest production from Capital E National Theatre for Children will premiere in the April School holidays, 7 -21 April.

Buck first appeared as the much-loved sheepdog in The Farm at the End of the Road in 2010. He’s since traveled to France, England and Australia and has been crowned World Sheepdog Champion. Now back home again, all is not going to plan as he finds himself in quarantine with pompous British bulldog Horatio, flirty French poodle Fifi and an unusual Mexican Chihuahua named Delores Del Mar. All longing for home a cultural exchange ensues as they swap stories of grand English manors, stylish Parisian quarters and Buck’s love of his Kiwi farm.

Writer, Jenny Pattrick, explains where the idea began, “Laughton and I had great fun writing this show. While living in France we noticed how different attitudes to dogs were there. They went everywhere with their owners - on buses, planes, trains, into supermarkets and often in shopping bags. This gave us the idea of writing about a group of different nationalities of dogs and putting them all together in a quarantine station here in New Zealand.”

Directed by Kerryn Palmer, performed by an energetic cast of four, Phil Grieve, Jessica Aaltonen, Belinda Wylie, Adam Burrell, and brought to life by the charming toe-tapping sing-along songs of Laughton Pattrick. This comic canine caper for ages 2 – 7, begs attention and will have the whole family entertained these holidays.

Audience members are encouraged to dress up as their favourite dog breed to win a spot prize!

Further information:

When: Sat 7th 2pm, Mon 9 – Sat 21 April 10am & 11.30am
Venue: McKenzie Theatre, Capital E
Booking: Online at www.capitale.org.nz or call 04 913 3740.

Clowns Rule at the NZ Fringe Festival Awards!

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 16:45:33 +1300

The 22nd New Zealand Fringe Festival wrapped up Sunday night with an Awards Ceremony celebrating 60 shows in 30 venues over three weeks with more than 600 participants.

With a short and sweet ceremony hosted by the delightful duo Adam Page and Hannah Clarke, emphasis was placed on how important the work of the participants is. “With out you we don’t have a festival. So thank you,” said Fringe Producer Emma Giesen

The big winner on the night was Thomas Monckton who won Stand Out Performer, Best Theatre and Best of the Fringe with his one man clowning show Moving Stationery. “I’m a mime and I used up all my words accepting the last Awards but thanks!” – said Monckton upon winning Best in Fringe.

The Best Production Design was shared between two polar opposite shows – Performance Arcade and Puppet Fiction. The judges appreciated the massive scale and extreme professionalism shown by Performance Arcade, and the impressive intricate details in the puppets created by Jon Coddington within the perfect world of the show of Puppet Fiction.

The Fringe Rogue Award was given to Adam Page and Benjamin Henson by the Fringe Festival team in recognition for extreme spirit of Fringe. Both gentlemen had multiple rolls within the Festival - Ben wrote one show, directed two, venue managed and worked hard to get to Wellington (he's from Auckland) and Adam has been a huge positive advocate for the Fringe, hosting all three of our Fringe events and running his own fantastic show. We salute their hard work and Fringeness!

Artist and Venue liaison Hannah Clarke said of Fringe 2012; “This has been an incredible journey culminating in three exciting weeks of extraordinary work from all walks of live. The diversity, enthusiasm and hard work from every participant has made this a fabulous Fringe Festival to have been involved in. As a team, the awards are an opportunity for us to salute the artists for making it all happen!”

Fringe 2012 wouldn’t have been possible with out the support and generosity of our sponsors. We sincerely thank Wellington City Council, Creative New Zealand, Wellington Community Trust, Pelorus Trust, The Lion Foundation, Creature Design, Resene, Capital Times, Dash Tickets, Radio Active, Big Image Print and BATS Theatre.

We congratulate all the winners, nominees and wonderful participants for making 2012 such an amazing Fringe – we look forward to being delighted, amazed and intrigued by what you create 2013!

AND THE WINNERS ARE . . .
(Winners in Bold, Nominees in alphabetical order)

BEST NEWCOMER: Honey - Nominated: An Unfortunate Willingness to Agree, Confessions
BEST MARKETING: Out of Bounds Sounds - Nominated: Part Time Prostitute, Sea of Stories
PRODUCTION DESIGN: Performance Arcade and Puppet Fiction
- Nominated: An Unfortunate Willingness to Agree (Honourable Mention for Sound Design), Confessions
BEST OUTDOOR: Performance Arcade - Nominated: Wacky Chad!
BEST COMEDY: Part Time Prostitute - Nominated: No Nonsense Parenting Show, Out of Bounds Sounds
BEST DANCE: An Unfortunate Willingness to Agree - Nominated: Ab-surd
BEST MUSIC: Eidolin - Nominated: Adam Page- Chairman of the Beard
BEST VISUAL ART: Performance Arcade - Nominated: The Amazing Brapants, Featureless/Brighter Futures
BEST THEATRE: Moving Stationery - Nominated: Echolalia, Honey, Should We Stay or Should We Go?
BEST SOLO SHOW: Echolalia - Nominated: Moving Stationery, No Nonsense Parenting Show
STAND OUT PERFORMER: Thomas Monckton (Moving Stationery) - Nominated: Jenny McArthur (Echolalia), Jonny Potts (No Nonsense Parenting Show), Virginia Frankovich (Honey and Confessions)
MOST ORIGINAL CONCEPT: Out of Bounds Sounds - Nominated: Puppet Fiction
FRINGE ROGUE AWARD: Adam Page and Benjamin Henson
BEST OF THE FRINGE: Moving Stationery

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.

Te Waka Toi Scholarships available to emerging Māori artists

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 13:02:20 +1300

Māori who are studying the arts, or an arts related field, are encouraged to apply for this year’s Ngā Karahipi a Te Waka Toi, Te Waka Toi Scholarships.

Every year Te Waka Toi, the Māori Arts Board of Creative New Zealand, awards two scholarships to emerging artists who have talent, promise and commitment to the future of Māori arts. Each scholarship is worth $4000.

“The scholarships often identify future movers and shakers of the Māori art world. It is exciting to support the artists at such an early and crucial stage, then watch their careers flourish as time goes by” says Te Waka Toi Chair Darrin Haimona.

Ngā Karahipi a Te Waka Toi are open to students of all artforms; media arts, theatre, music, visual arts, dance as well as art-related areas such as curation, arts writing and conservation. Students must be studying at a formal place of learning including marae, or other institution such as an accredited university, polytechnic or whare wānanga.

All scholarship applications are assessed on leadership qualities, the applicant’s involvement with iwi and marae as well as their artistic, cultural and academic merit. Applicants need to submit quality examples of their work and two references from people who support them and their path of study. The applicant must also explain their reasons for wanting a career in Māori arts.

The 2011 scholarship winners were contemporary weaver Karangawai Marsh who is studying for her Masters in Māori Visual Arts at Massey University; and graphic designer and carver Tai Kerekere who runs his own graphic design business with his wife, in Wellington.

Te Waka Toi Scholarship recipients represent both heritage and contemporary artforms; they include Nigel Borell (kaiwhakahaere of Toi o Manukau, Auckland), Te Kohe Tuhaka (actor Shortland Street, Billy, Tama Tu), contemporary weaver Ngahina Hohaia, internationally exhibited visual artist Kelcy Taratoa and Taryn Beri (apprentice to tohunga tā moko Mark Kopua).

The 2012 Te Waka Toi Scholarships will be presented at an awards evening in September.

Applications for Ngā Karahipi a Te Waka Toi close at 5pm, Friday 30 March 2012.

All information can be found at www.creativenz.govt.nz/findfunding then select Māori arts.

For further information contact:

Tumarangai Sciascia, Māori Arts Advisor

04 4980705

tumarangai.sciascia@creativenz.govt.nz

Funding for groups to grow and retain Māori arts

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 11:56:07 +1300

Groups who want to see the arts thriving on their marae, are invited to apply for Toi Ake funding from Creative New Zealand.

Toi Ake supports iwi, hapū, whakapapa-based rōpu and māta waka to grow and retain Māori arts. Offered since 2005, Toi Ake projects usually focus on heritage arts including ngā mahi a Te Whare Pora, and te reo based arts including whaikōrero and whakapapa recitation; but contemporary arts projects are also supported. Toi Ake supports the artworks of new wharenui but does not include restoration projects.

“Toi Ake aims to restore the mana of the arts to marae communities around the country by supporting the transfer of knowledge and skill from our tohunga to the next generation, while also enriching whānau and hapū identity through the beauty of art,” said Darrin Haimona, Chair of Te Waka Toi, the Māori arts board of Creative New Zealand.

This year brings changes to Toi Ake. Now a single-stage funding programme, it focuses solely on putting arts projects into practice. Applicants must submit a current arts strategy, which outlines what is needed to cover the development of all aspects of their local arts. Applications can be made for up to $65,000.

Previously Toi Ake involved two application stages. Applicants developed an arts strategy and then the same group reapplied to undertake an arts project outlined in the strategy. While Toi Ake no longer funds the development of arts strategies, funding for such planning is now available through Creative New Zealand’s Quick Response grants.

Another change sees the net cast wider to include more groups. Mātā waka, or kinship groups living outside their traditional rohe/district, are also eligible to apply for funding.

Toi Ake is offered twice a year. The current funding round closes at 5pm, Monday 2 March 2012. The following roundcloses in early September 2012.

All information can be found at www.creativenz.govt.nz/findfunding and select Māori arts.

ENDS

For information about Toi Ake contact:

Tumarangai Sciascia, Māori Arts Adviser

04 4980705

tumarangai.sciascia@creativenz.govt.nz

‘Culture for Sale; a Post-colonial Völkerschau’ - a lecture by Shigeyuki Kihara

Wed, 08 Feb 2012 11:08:51 +1300

Duration: 45 minute talk and 15 minute Q & A

In August 2011 performance artist Shigeyuki Kihara travelled to Germany with the support of the Visitor's program from the Goethe-Institut to investigate museum archives held across Germany to research materials related to the German administration of Samoa from 1900 till 1914.

Kihara’s presentation accompanied by a power point presentation traces the historical footprints of several groups of Samoans including men, women and small children who travelled and toured extensively across cities in Germany including Berlin, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Munich and Cologne where they were exhibited in a zoo - a practise commonly known as ‘Völkerschau’ a popular form of exotic entertainment and colonial theatre at the time.

The title of the presentation ‘Culture for Sale’ is the same title of a live public performance and multimedia installation conceived by Kihara staged during the Sydney Festival in January 2012. Conceptually informed by the Samoan participation in the ‘Völkerschauen’, ‘Culture for Sale’ explores the close relationship between performance, identity, power and money.

The presentation will discuss how Samoan identity as ‘the other’ was contextualised under German colonialism, and whether the surrounding ideas of ‘the other’ continues to resonate in the daily lives of Samoan people in the so called ‘post-colonial’ era in the wake of the 50th Anniversary of the Independence of Samoa in June 2012.

For more information please visit:

http://www.pataka.org.nz/node/355

www.shigeyukikihara.com

"Music and Me": A story of music as redemption

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 10:47:02 +1300

"A family forged, even in the darkest of places"

Music and Me, a riveting new work by Manurewa-based emerging playwright Victoria Schmidt has its world premiere at the Mangere Arts Centre - Ngā Tohu o Uenuku this month.

Music and Me is raw and poetic, while also funny, with fantastic lines. It is guaranteed to pull at your heartstrings.

The story tells of the harsh realities of four individuals, struggling to survive in a forgotten world of prostitution, mental illness, substance abuse, depression and risking all for a dream that is in the eye of the beholder.

"The play highlights universal themes through deep, heartfelt and outspoken characters," explains Victoria.

"on the whole, this story is about survival, broken hope, and the importance of friendship."

Music and Me is Victoria's first, full-length, professionally produced play. New Zealand-born and of Samoan background, Victoria is an acting graduate of the UNITEC School of Performing Screen Arts. She has been seen in numerous theatre productions, most recently in The Factory by Kila Kokonut Krew in 2011.

"This show is about creating awareness of every day people, surviving in the only way they know how,"she says.

Directed by Asalemo Tofete (Toi Whakaari acting graduate, The Minister's Son, Angels in America Part I: Millenium Approaches, Polyzygotic, The Factory). The production features some of New Zealand's best seasoned and upcoming Pacific talent. The cast includes Iaheto Ah Hi (Sione's Wedding, The Market, Matariki, Running With the Bulls,Tautai. Sione's 2: Unfinished Business), Toi Whakaari acting graduate Natano Keni (Privates VS Ninjas, Once Were Samoans), the playwright Victoria Schmidt (Sione's Wedding, Running With The Bulls, Othello Polynesia, Tautai, The Factory) and recent Pacific Institute of Performing Arts graduate and choreographer Amanaki Lelei Prescott-Faletua (Mixed Nuts, Pollyhood in Mumuland, VOGUE).

A resident of Manurewa, Victoria says it was important to set the play in South Auckland, to support the story and to reflect our unique society that is full of colourful characters.

Funded with the support of the Auckland Council Creative New Zealand Communities Scheme, Music and Me will be on show at the Mangere Arts Centre from for a five-night season, opening on Tuesday 14 February.

ENDS

About the Show:
Music and Mefollows the lives and friendships of four outcasts living on the same poverty-stricken street - an old man sinking deeper into dementia, a male hustler-addict always looking to make a quick buck, a street poet who finds solace in gracing the public with her passion for rhyme, and a business-minded drag queen who runs the local beauty parlour.
This is a story that reveals how music can soothe a troubled mind and the desperate measures taken to be able to survive in a forgotten world.

Credits:

Written by Victoria Schmidt.

Directed by Asalemo Tofete

For more information, please contact:

Asalemo Tofete (Director)

Phone: 021 2092942

Email: asalemo.tofete@gmail.com

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)

Free International Touring workshop opportunity

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:23:37 +1300

Creative New Zealand, in association with the Performing Arts Network of New Zealand (PANNZ), is calling for registrations from managers, agents and self-managed artists to attend a free International Touring workshop on:

Wednesday 7 March 2012, 9am - 12.30pm,

Te Wharewaka,Wellington.

INTERNATIONAL TOURING WORKSHOP

This is a FREE half day workshop on international touring in Australia, North America, UK and Europe. It will be co-presented by three highly experienced, industry professionals: Fenn Gordon, Laura Colby and Jenny Vila.

The session will comprise a panel and a workshop and will cover key issues relating to touring performing arts off-shore. The content for the workshop will be determined by your suggestions in the registration form.

9:00-9:15am Arrival /registration

9:15-10:15am Panel

10:15-10:30am Morning tea

10:30 -12:30pm Workshops

Submitting Your Registration

For a registration form, please contact Ana Sciascia, International Adviser: ana.sciascia@creativenz.govt.nz, or call Ana on ph 04 4730194 for further information.

Numbers are limited – first in first served!

The deadline for registrations is Monday 13 February 2012.

PRESENTERS

Fenn Gordon, Chief Executive, Performing Lines – Sydney www.performinglines.org.au

Fenn Gordon was appointed CEO of Performing Lines in June 2011. She moved from New Zealand to Australia in 2007 to join Performing Lines as the producer responsible for international projects. From 2009 – 2011 she was the Director, Market Development of the Australia Council, responsible for implementing strategies to develop markets for Australian artists and organisations nationally and internationally. Before crossing the Tasman, Fenn worked as an independent producer in New Zealand for eighteen years, where she managed the national and international careers of independent artists like Douglas Wright, Flight of the Conchords and Miranda Harcourt. She has written and taught extensively about touring and producing in the performing arts.

Laura Colby

Director, Elsie Management – New York

www.elsieman.org

Laura Colby is the Director of Elsie Management, a New York-based artist management company. Now in its seventeenth year, Elsie Management offers a celebrated roster of performing artists for engagements to performing arts centres, venues of all shapes and sizes, festivals, and special event programming. Colby is dedicated to promoting exceptional, award-winning performing artists and companies with singular visions that scope the traditional and experimental gamut of the performing arts. A frequently invited speaker for panels, workshops, and educational sessions, Colby was President of NAPAMA in 2008 & 2009 and served on the board of Dance/USA. From Australia, she represents Strange Fruit, Polyglot Theatre, and the composer David Chisholm.

Jenny Vila

Producer/ Lighting Designer – Perth

www.jennyvilakarpe.com

A multi-lingual international arts producer, lighting designer and project manager, Jenny is currently based in Perth, Western Australia. From 2005 to 2010 she was the International Producer for the Norfolk & Norwich Festival during which time the festival grew to be the fourth largest festival in the UK. Between 1999 and 2005 Jenny produced outdoor shows for the National Theatre in London, was Technical Manager for the Singapore Symphony Orchestra’sMusic Carousel Festival, Venue Director for the New York International Fringe Festival and Producer of the Festival Internacional de Teatre Visual i Titelles de Barcelona. In 2001 she was the founder director of Co-Coproductions, a company specialising in production and tour management for international arts projects.

New Zealand produced show given a four star review at Sydney Festival

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 16:23:06 +1300

New Zealand produced and directed Live Live Cinema: Carnival of Souls has receiving rave reviews following its premier at the Sydney Festival last week.

Gareth Beale, editor of Australian online arts website Arts Hub, gave the performance with musical score composed by Leon Radojkovic and directed by Oliver Driver a four out of five star rating. He said "Live Live Cinema: Carnival of Souls brings the film to a whole new audience...."

He goes onto say that "it is a wonderful evening’s entertainment (‘the best live cinema experience you’ve never seen’ if you missed this current run). Hopefully, it’s the first of a series of similar productions at the Sydney Festival over the coming years"

Read the full review here

Phil Evans from Jumpboard Productions, producer of Live Live Cinema: Carnival of Souls will be showcasing the work when he attend the Australian Performing Arts Market (APAM) next month. His attendance has been funded by Creative New Zealand, who also funded the tour to Sydney and Perth festivals through the International Touring fund as well as part-funding the premiere of the work at the Auckland Festival. Check out a four minute excerpt here

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

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

NZ Screenwriters off to Killer Films NYC

Tue, 10 Jan 2012 13:59:29 +1300

Script to Screen is delighted to announce Dianna Fuemana has been awarded the 2012 US Screenwriting Internship Scholarship. Furthermore, Catherine Bisley has been awarded a special second scholarship, securing both writers sought after placements at Killer Films, New York.

Lead by producers Christina Vachon and Pam Koffler, Killer Films is at the forefront of Independent American cinema and is responsible for a number of very successful and much talked-about features including Kids, Happiness, and Oscar nominated Far from Heaven.The selection panel of Roger Horrocks, Tui Ruwhiu and Script to Screen’s Esther Cahill-Chiaroni felt these emerging screenwriters demonstrated impressive craft skill as well as unique voice:

“Normally the Killer Films Internship is for one winner only, but two of the finalists were so impressive that we made an effort to obtain a second internship for this year. And the Film Commission has generously helped to make this possible.

“First place-winner Dianna Fuemana has made a name for herself in not one but three fields – film, television and theatre. Her plays include ‘My Mother Dreaming’, ‘Mapaki’, ‘The Packer’ and ‘Famemalema’ which have been widely produced. Three of them have been published. Her television writing credits include episodes of ‘Interrogation’ and ‘Good Hands’. She has a feature film script in development with the Film Commission. Dianna has won a Chapman Tripp Theatre award as ‘Outstanding New Writer of the Year’ and a Creative NZ Pacific Innovation and Excellence Award, among other distinctions.

“The second successful applicant, Catherine Bisley, has written extensively since graduating from the Victoria University MA writing programme. She wrote and directed the short films Alwyn Motel and The Fish Will Swim and her feature film script, December, is in development with the Film Commission. She is well known for the commentaries on films she has written for websites such as Lumiere Reader and NZ On Screen.”

Dianna Fuemana will follow in previous winners’ footsteps, spending three months in Killer Films’ busy development department, an experience 2009 recipient Leo Woodhead and 2011 recipient Michelle Savill wrote extensively about in their Script to Screen blogs.

Catherine Bisley will be based with Killer Film’s upcoming production Kill Your Darlings, a feature film about writers Allen Ginsberg, Jack Kerouac and William Burroughs whose cast includes Daniel Radcliffe, Catherine Keener and Lizzie Olsen.

The selection panel would like to congratulate the third finalist writer/director Sally Tran and note the exceptional calibre of applications.

“There were 33 applications, and in making a selection we were hugely impressed by the level of experience. The Killer Films Internship has obviously been working well and now attracts a large and very competitive field of applicants.

“There were some very talented young directors and producers and we will be watching their future careers with great interest. However, Script to Screen’s no. 1 priority is the development of screenwriting and thus the internships went to two applicants who had displayed an outstanding talent and commitment in writing.

“The continued success of this scheme has been possible through the on-going support of Gary Hannam’s Film Investment Corporation Foundation, the NZ Film Commission, and Killer Films.

“Killer Films is one of the most successful and cutting-edge independent feature film companies. It will be a high-powered experience for the two New Zealanders and will give them valuable input at this stage of their careers. They have promised to keep up the tradition of writing blogs for the Script to Screen website so that the New Zealand film community can share some of their experiences.”

Script to Screen is a charitable trust with the mandate is to develop the craft and culture of storytelling for the screen in Aotearoa New Zealand.

The US Screenwriting Scholarship Internship to Killer Films has been running since 2009 and is made possible with generous support from the Film Investment Corporation Foundation and the NZ Film Commission.

New Artistic Director announced for the New Zealand International Arts Festival

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 17:01:05 +1300

New Zealand-born Shelagh Magadza will be the new Artistic Director of the New Zealand International Arts Festival for 2014 and beyond.

Ms Magadza was Artistic Director of the past four Perth International Arts Festivals. She was appointed after a highly competitive selection process involving high-calibre applicants from around the world, says Festival Executive Chair, Kerry Prendergast.

“Shelagh is exceptionally talented and her artistic leadership of the last four Perth Festivals has been characterised by bold and imaginative artistic leadership, an appetite for risk and a focus on reaching into the community. Her programming at Perth contributed to significant growth in audience numbers and box office success during her tenure,’’ says Ms Prendergast.

The Perth Festival is the longest running annual international arts festival in the southern hemisphere, with a strong international reputation. In addition to her position as Perth’s Artistic Director, Ms Magadza was previously the festival’s Assistant Director.

Born in New Zealand, Ms Magadza lived in Zimbabwe until she was 20, before returning to New Zealand. Moving to Wellington in 2012 to take up her new position “gives me the opportunity to re-engage with a place that is one of the most exciting cultural centres in the region”, she says.

Prior to moving to Perth in 2002, Shelagh Magadza had a long and successful relationship with the New Zealand International Arts Festival, working for five Festivals in a variety of roles. She has also held positions with the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and the Harare International Arts Festival.

“Shelagh is a dynamic and inspiring arts sector leader who will bring an extraordinary combination of skills to her new role,” says Ms Prendergast. “She understands New Zealand audiences, she delivers programmes that are contemporary, inspiring and that take risks. She has a track record of attracting some of the world’s leading artists to her festivals and also commissioning new local works.’’

Ms Magadza will take up her new position in April next year, replacing the current New Zealand International Arts Festival Artistic Director, Lissa Twomey. Ms Twomey’s third and final New Zealand International Arts Festival opens on 24 February 2012.

Ms Prendergast said New Zealand International Arts Festival had been fortunate in attracting highly talented Artistic Directors and paid tribute to Ms Twomey’s programming since 2008. “Lissa’s three festivals have been characterised by exciting and lively programming. Her 2012 Festival is no exception and has already attracted huge interest and healthy ticket sales.’’

The Court Theatre opening vital step in recovery

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 14:09:04 +1300

The public opening of the new Court Theatre on Saturday 10 December is a vital step towards restoring the cultural life of the people of Christchurch, says Creative New Zealand Chief Executive Stephen Wainwright.

“The drive and commitment of Felicity Price and the trustees, and the Court Theatre team lead by Philip Aldridge has been extraordinary and inspiring,” Mr Wainwright said.

“The creation of this new 400 seat theatre in a former granary just nine months after the February earthquake is an example of the innovation and can-do attitude of The Court. It has been built in just 16 weeks.

“It will provide a much anticipated injection of entertainment, diversion and pleasure as the city faces continuing challenge and change.

“The Court and all those who have supported it over the past 40 years know how important the theatre is to Christchurch. It is a telling reminder of The Court’s place in the hearts, minds and wallets of the national theatre community, that across the country New Zealanders have contributed to its rebuilding.

“At Creative New Zealand we are pleased to have played our part,” he said.

Creative New Zealand provided an Emergency Assistance Grant of $500,000 to The Court to assist with the refit of the new theatre. This is in addition to committing funding of $892,000 per annum in 2012 and 2013 through the Arts Leadership Investment (Toi Tōtara Haemata) programme.

Funding for the rebuild has been raised internationally and nationally, including $2.5 million from the Christchurch Earthquake Appeal Trust.

“As well as The Court, we have seen progress elsewhere, such as a gallery and artists’ studios opened at Chambers @241, the Christchurch Arts Festival held over several weekends, and the successful presentation of the 6^thSCAPE Christchurch Biennial.

Mr Wainwright said, Creative New Zealand would continue to work with the Christchurch City Council, Ministry for Culture and Heritage, CERA, Arts Voice, arts organisations, artists and arts supporters to ensure that Cantabrians are able enjoy and participate in the arts.

Chapman Tripp Theatre Awards 2011

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 18:47:01 +1300

Theatre excellence in Wellington was celebrated in the 20th annual Chapman Tripp Theatre Award’s 2011 ceremony, which was held at the Opera House on Sunday 4th December.

I, George Nepia was the major winner on the night, taking two directing awards for newcomer Jason Te Kare, The Pro Actors and Gail Cowan Management Award for Actor of the Year for Jarrod Rawiri and The Chapman Tripp Award for Production of the Year.

The Critic’s Wild Card was recognition for the stellar advancements of Johann Nortje’s in AV Design. His work in shows Wake Less, Hear to See and When the Rain Stops Falling were consistently exciting and a sign of great theatrical developments to come with this medium.

Wellington Mayor, Celia Wade Brown, presented the Mayor’s Award for Significant Contribution to Theatre to actor and director Jim Moriarty. Jim was honoured not only for his work in theatre and film over the last 40 years, but also his outstanding commitment to training his Te Rakau boys, a performing arts organisation that works with at-risk communities, creating and performing theatre in schools, marae and prisons, as well as professional theatres. His honour was recognised by a resounding and stunning haka.

A real delight of the ceremony was the Shoreline Cabaret Singers: THE CAB SAVS, featuring talented Wellington theatre community members Martyn Wood, Jessica Robinson, Bryony Skillington, Nick Dunbar, Carmel McGlone, Gareth Farr/Lilith, and Michael Nicholas Williams.

The Chapman Tripp Theatre Awards wish to sincerely thank all the sponsors, the theatres, the theatre community and the wonderful audiences continuing to make Wellington such an exciting Cultural Capital!

The Award Winners for 2011 are:

The Mayor’s Award for Significant Contribution to the Theatre
Jim Moriarty

Critics Wild Card
Johann Nortje for outstanding AV design (Wake Less, Hear to See, When the Rain Stops Falling)

The Absolutely Positively Wellington Award for Most Original Production of the Year
Hear to See - Capital E National Theatre for Children

Downstage Theatre Award for the Most Promising Male Newcomer of the Year
Simon K Leary - Mates & Lovers

Circa Award Donated by TACT for the Most Promising Female Newcomer of the Year
Lauren Gibson - August: Osage County

Toi Whakaari: NZ Drama School & Victoria University of Wellington Award for Most Promising Director of the Year
Jason Te Kare - I, George Nepia

Brancott Estate Award for Costume Designer of the Year
Gillie Coxill - The Spy Who Wouldn't Die Again

Grouse Lighting Award for Lighting Designer of the Year
Marcus McShane - When the Rain Stops Falling

Weta Workshop Award for Set Designer of the Year
Andrew Foster - The Lead Wait

Park Road Post Production Sound Designer of the Year
Chris Ward - The Lead Wait

Constance Scott Kirkcaldie Award for Outstanding Composer of Music
Richard Nunns - Hear to See

Peter Harcourt Award for Outstanding New Playwright of the Year
Sponsored by Bats Theatre & Taki Rua Productions
Ralph McCubbin Howell - The Engine Room

The Playmarket/ Capital E – National Theatre for Children – Outstanding New New Zealand Play of the Year
Slouching Toward Bethlehem - Dean Parker

The Orbit Corporate Travel Award for Supporting Actress of the Year
Erin Banks - The Engine Room

The Whitireia Performing Arts and Chapman Tripp Award for Supporting Actor of the Year
Christopher Brougham - When the Rain Stops Falling

The Proactors and Gail Cowan Management Award for Actor of the Year
Jarod Rawiri - I, George Nepia

Chapman Tripp Theatre Award for Actress of the Year
Jennifer Ludlam - August: Osage County

Emerging Artist Trust Wellington Accolade for Outstanding Performance
Michelle Amas - August: Osage County

eCaster Accolade for Outstanding Performance
Phil Grieve - Slouching Toward Bethlehem

The Museum Hotel Award for Director of the Year
Jason Te Kare - I, George Nepia

Chapman Tripp Award for Production of the Year
I, George Nepia - Tawata Productions

Our sincere thanks to our much beloved event sponsors – E Caster, Phantom Billstickers Ltd, Shoreline Partners, WETA Workshop, Grouse Lighting, BATS Theatre, Circa Theatre, Downstage Theatre, Taki Rua, Museum Hotel, Toi Whakaari, Victoria University, Wellington City Council, Orbit Corporate Travel, Montana Wines, Gail Cowan Management, Whitireia Performing Arts,Emerging Artist Trust Wellington, The ProActors, Capital E, Playmarket and Chapman Tripp, without whom these Awards would not be possible.

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.

BATS Theatre – Building Future Secured

Fri, 25 Nov 2011 13:45:25 +1300

Peter Jackson and Fran Walsh are the new owners of the BATS Theatre building at 1 Kent Terrace in the Courtenay Place precinct.

They have purchased the building and granted BATS a long term lease to enable them to continue to operate in the same location that has been the theatre's home for the past 22 years.

"We are extremely fond of BATS and we're happy to help secure a permanent home for the theatre. Wellington has been good to us and we wanted to give something back" says Jackson.

“This is the most wonderful endorsement of the past 22 years of work at BATS,” says Chair of the Board, Victoria Spackman. “We consistently foster the talents and experience of people who go on to national and international careers in film, theatre and other creative endeavours. We are their starting point.”

“The term ‘ecology’ is used to describe the theatre community in Wellington and the way it feeds and supports each other. Peter and Fran's contribution is recognition that BATS is a vital part of a bigger ecology still – the wider creative community in this country.”

Walsh adds “BATS has always fostered original Kiwi talent and provides an incredibly supportive environment for up-and-coming writers, directors, musicians and actors. We feel its unique voice is worth preserving and protecting and we look forward to refurbishing the theatre and enhancing the performance space."

The Royal Antediluvian Order of the Buffaloes, the previous owner of the building, decided to sell in the middle of the year.

The Board of BATS considered the options available: moving to another building and fundraising to buy 1 Kent Terrace. “The generosity of Peter and Fran has solved an extremely difficult problem for us,” says Ms Spackman. “BATS is totally identified with its Kent Terrace location. Moving or fundraising to buy the building was going to be a steep hill to climb.”

“We have a creative and business model that works,” says Victoria Spackman. “It has supported wonderful practitioners and delighted and stimulated audiences for more than two decades. We are deeply appreciative of this investment in our abilities.”

BATS is known for its innovation, talent and integrity. Careers which have started at BATS include Flight of the Conchords, Taika Waititi, Robyn Malcolm, Michael Galvin, Jacob Rajan – and many plays premiered there have been picked up by other theatres and festivals, Apollo 13 and Heat among them.

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.

2011 Chapman Tripp Award nominees announced

Thu, 17 Nov 2011 12:58:00 +1300

Wellington’s hard-working theatre critics have narrowed down the year's best and brightest theatre shows, performances, writers, composers, designers and directors from over 100 eligible professional productions to three nominees in each of the 18 award categories.

The Mayors Award for Excellence and the Critic’s Wild Card Award will be announced on the night of the awards – Sunday 4^th December, at the Opera House.

We welcome the Wellington theatre community; the greater NZ theatre whanau and all it’s avid supporters to attend the Chapman Tripp Theatre Award 2011.

Congratulations to the nominees, and all eligible 2011 productions for making this an exhilarating and exciting year of theatre!

The Chapman Tripp Theatre Award 2011 Critics are: Laurie Atkinson (Dominion Post), Uther Dean (The Salient and Lumiere), Lynn Freeman (Capital Times), Elspeth Sandys (The Listener), John Smythe (theatreview.co.nz)

– the Arbitrators are Michael Wray and Sharon Wray

Below are the categories, to read the nominees please follow this link.

Brancott Estate Award for Most Origional Production of the Year

Downstage Theatre Award for the Most Promising Male Newcomer of the Year

Circa Award Donated by TACT for the Most Promising Female Newcomer of the Year

Toi Whakaari: NZ Drama School & Victoria University of Wellington Award for Most Promising Director of the Year

The Absolutely Positively Award for Costume Designer of the Year

Grouse Lighting Award for Lighting Designer of the Year

Weta Workshop Award for Set Designer of the Year

Park Road Post Production Sound Designer of the Year

Constance Scott Kirkcaldie Award for Outstanding Composer of Music

Peter Harcourt Award for Outstanding New Playwright of the Year

Sponsored by Bats Theatre & Taki Rua Productions

The Playmarket / Capital E National Theatre for Children – Outstanding New New Zealand Play of the Year

The Orbit Corporate Travel Award for Supporting Actress of the Year

Chapman Tripp Award for Supporting Actor of the Year

(Seven Nominees for these four categories:)
Emerging Artist Trust Wellington Accolade for Outstanding Performance
eCaster Accolade for Outstanding Performance
Chapman Tripp Theatre Award for Actress of the Year
The ProActors and Gail Cowan Management Award for Actor of the Year

The Museum Hotel Award for Director of the Year

Chapman Tripp Award for Production of the Year

The Chapman Tripp Theatre Awards 2011