A new art programme is set to bring art to communities - from beaches to town centres - across the Ōrākei local board area.
Residents and visitors to the communities of Ellerslie, Mission Bay, Remuera, Ōrākei and Kohimarama are being encouraged to seek out the new art activation called 'Creative Humans - from beaches to town centres', which is set to catch the eye, enliven the senses, surprise, and delight.
Designed to bring art to the community, and help create a connection to the community, Creative Humans draws from an immense pool of local artistic talent and offers an array of events and activities each as unique as the community it appears in.
“Our communities have stated that their neighbourhoods could benefit from more art”
Scott Milne, chairperson of Ōrākei Local Board which is funding the short-term trail, explains that “following the seemingly endless lockdowns and covid restrictions, the idea of helping revitalise our communities and town centres through art was a concept we were very happy to support."
"Yes, there were tight budget constraints for this project but we believe that the outcome provides bang for buck, and we sincerely hope that everyone out and about in the next couple of months either seeks out or naturally comes across some of these activations."
The series involves five completely different projects aiming to bring the audience to a standstill, invite them to sit down or perhaps send them on their way with a piece of poetry, a new way of viewing the world, a spring in their step.
Creative Humans - from beaches to town centres, is taking place across the Ōrākei Local Board area from 4 June through to 17 July 2022.
More information on the Ōrākei Local Board Facebook page or by joining the Facebook Event Page: Creative Humans - from beaches to town centres or follow this link: https://bit.ly/3Gl1LSh or detailed in full below.
The Umbrella Dancers
An insatiable Balkan-style playlist kindly creates spaces for two passers-by to engage in a beautiful, unexpected dance interlude. Rain, snow, or shine, the umbrella dancers hold semblance of the passing of strangers, the connections we make, the moments to cherish, and warm goodbyes.
- Saturday 4 June, 11am – 1pm. Mission Bay Beach.
- Creative concept: Amber Liberté. Facilitated by The Human Agency
Continuum
Hosted by Talia Pua
Continuum is a game where you explore your heritage through conversation and tactile play. Come enjoy a completely digital free and reflective experience that encourages empathy and connection with others. Perfect for people from all walks of life, including families with kids (age 7+).
- Saturday 4 June, 10am - 2pm. Outside the St Heliers Bay Community Library
- Saturday 11 June, 10am - 2pm. Outside the Remuera Community Library
The Horizon is Ever-Present
A performance and digital installation. The Horizon is Ever-Present celebrates our surroundings, reminds us to have moments of presence, and offers a space to be grateful for nature’s vastness and timelessness. Five locations simultaneously.
- Saturday 11 June, 11am – 1pm. Outside Remuera Community Library, on Kohimarama, St Heliers, Mission Bay beaches and on Instagram @amber_liberty
- Creative concept: Amber Liberté
Typewriter Poetry
The typewriter poetry performance involves a professional poet sitting at a welcoming table, behind a vintage typewriter, ready to type poetry in a spur of the moment interaction with passers-by. Featuring Asian, Pakeha and Polynesian poets.
- Aiwa Pooamorn - Friday June 10, 11am-2pm. Ellerslie Village
- Eric Soakai - Saturday June 11. 11am-2pm. Mission Bay Village
- Sophie Proctor - Saturday June 18, 11am-2pm. Remuera Village
- Creative concept: Gareth Farry
WasteAge
Arthaus Contemporary will be showing two local artists working with waste plastics: Judith Lawson and Milvia Romici. Their exhibition will run alongside a competition for school students using plastic waste materials and the opportunity to exhibit alongside them.
- Arthaus Contemporary, 228 Ōrākei Rd, Ōrākei
- Friday 8 July - Sunday 17 July. Gallery opening hours 11 – 3pm Wednesday to Sunday
