Hero image

News

Arts

Arts 30 Jun 2025

A fortnight of show-stoppers brings Matariki Festival to a close

Watch the city centre’s streets and squares become a canvas for extraordinary Māori artistry

People of Midtown
Arts 19 Jun 2025

Otis Frizzell’s midtown mural gets a refresh, 40 years on

The mural, depicting Queen Street in 1986, has become an integral element in midtown’s artscape, and seemingly it will never grow old.

People of Midtown
Arts 16 Jun 2025

Public art’s star turn in the regeneration of midtown

Emily Trent speaks on the importance of public art in Tāmaki Makaurau / Auckland.

Matariki 9 Jun 2025

Matariki Festival inspires the region 

Matariki Festival is inspiring generations across the Auckland region.

Community 28 May 2025

5 royal ways to celebrate King’s Birthday weekend

Try something new this King's Birthday weekend with activities fit for royalty! Give some of King Charles' hobbies a go, from beekeeping to tree planting.

Arts 14 May 2025

The art world pays respects to celebrated artist Fred Graham

Te Kaunihera o Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland Council) is joining the art world in paying its respects to Fred Graham (Ngaati Koroki Kahukura), ONZM, Art Foundation Icon.

City Centre Waterfront 5 May 2025

Discover midtown's hidden art gems

See some exciting and mysterious art that you might never have noticed before.

Arts 1 May 2025

Te Wheke-a-Muturangi floats on Tāmaki Makaurau waters for first time

Celebrated artwork signals a packed season of the arts in city centre.

Arts 29 Apr 2025

NZ Music Month takes to the streets

Music and the arts continue to be a beacon of light in the regeneration of Auckland’s midtown, and that leading role is ever-present this NZ Music Month across the city centre.

Council news 23 Apr 2025

Artist plans seascape series at Auckland regional park

An established writer with an affinity for the ocean is thrilled to have the opportunity to live at the idyllic seaside Barr Cottage in Huia, as Auckland Council’s regional parks’ artist in residence for 2025. 

Arts 9 Apr 2025

Opera in the Strand returns to Strand Arcade

It’s New Zealand Music Month in May and people will flood into midtown’s streets, lanes and public spaces, further cementing our place in the world as a UNESCO City of Music.

Arts 24 Mar 2025

6 creative community galleries to check out

While Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki is the epicentre of the city’s art scene, further afield there are community art galleries that showcase the vibrant work of artists from all fields and walks of life.

Arts 20 Mar 2025

Sisters, aunties, daughters and mothers to celebrate Myers Park  

Bring your daughters, mothers, aunties and female friends!

Arts 13 Mar 2025

Federal Street - unique lights illuminate artwork to create outdoor gallery experience

A once reflective, quiet urban backyard, used mainly by the residents of upper Federal Street, has become a living art experience.

Arts 26 Feb 2025

Embrace a beginner’s mindset and learn new skills for free

Acquiring new skills is a great workout for our brains, as it improves our well-being and often provides opportunities to connect with others.

Arts 3 Feb 2025

Pocket art guide updated with 10 new artworks showcasing toi Māori in Tāmaki Makaurau

‘Te Paparahi Toi Māori’ the Auckland Art Walk guide relaunches in 2025 with new public Māori artwork to see.