Comprising a 668-seat theatre, bar, cafe, gallery and events space, the ASB Waterfront Theatre is a purpose-built performing arts venue and the new home of Auckland Theatre Company (ATC).
It also provides a space for other domestic and international arts organisations to tour and showcase their work.
“This unique opportunity came about as a result of ASB’s decision to relocate its head office into the Wynyard Quarter – a place that supports innovative business and, like the theatre, is using smart technology," says Lester McGrath, General Manager, Auckland Theatre Company.
"It started a whole series of discussions with partners and stakeholders, who were all excited by the idea of what a 650-seat theatre might add to the life of waterfront.
“Because the waterfront is a dynamic and desirable spot designed with people in mind – a go-to destination for Auckland – we felt it would showcase Auckland’s theatre and performing arts in a way which hasn’t been possible before.”
Home to new artworks
The ASB Waterfront Theatre is also the new home of two major new public artworks.
The first is an installation by one of the world’s foremost light artists, New York’s Leo Villareal, commissioned by the Edmiston Trust. Light Matrix is made up of 10,000 LED lights and shines over Halsey St. This is Villareal’s first major public commission in the Pacific. Internationally renowned, he has pioneered the use of light-emitting LEDs and computer-driven imagery to create significant light sculptures and site-specific architectural works. Villareal is regarded as one of the most prominent light sculptors of his generation.
The second is a 6.4m pou by NZ artist Sir Robert Jahnke, titled Pouwhakamaharatanga mo Maui tikitiki a Taranga. Towering over the theatre’s new Logan Campbell Yard, the pou is based on the Maui tikitiki a Taranga narratives. It was commissioned by the Waterfront Theatre Ltd. and made from corten steel and laminated totara. It serves as a focal point for powhiri and other ceremonial events at the theatre.
'Gift of theatre'
According to Lead Architect and Chair of Auckland Theatre Company, Gordon Moller, “The vision for the theatre is of a timber crucible within a glass pavilion of public spaces and artworks, enlivening the surrounding streets and waterfront. Auckland Theatre Company’s offer to Auckland is as a ‘gift’ of theatre, drama and future stories to be told.”
Auckland Council is a founding funder of the ASB Waterfront Theatre through a $10 million grant and an agreement to use the site, made through Panuku Development Auckland. Other Foundation Partners and major funders are ASB Bank, AUT University, Creative New Zealand and Foundation North.
ASB Chief Executive Barbara Chapman says the bank is proud to be the naming rights sponsor of the state-of-the-art theatre and Auckland Theatre Company’s exclusive principal partner.
“ASB’s partnership with ATC and the ASB Waterfront Theatre forms a key part of our long held commitment to supporting the arts in New Zealand,” Ms Chapman says. “We’re particularly excited about the opening of the new theatre located alongside our head office which will provide a world-class new artistic and creative hub for Auckland in the heart of Wynyard Quarter.”
The Theatre is also supported by the following organisations: the Edmiston Trust, The Lion Foundation and Lotto NZ.
The Founding Corporate Partners are Kensington Swan and Villa Maria, and Platinum Corporate Partners are Cooper and Company, ECC Limited, and Moller Architects.
Panuku Development Auckland and Auckland Theatre Company are Project Partners.
Auckland Theatre Company is Auckland’s flagship professional theatre company. The ASB Waterfront Theatre not only provides ATC with a much-needed home, it will also help ATC reach wider audiences and increase participation.
Contact
For media information, interviews and images, please contact Siobhan Waterhouse from Mr. Fahrenheit Publicity on 022 126 4149 or Siobhan@mrfahrenheit.nz
