Media Release

16 October 2008

Manukau Arts proud partners in inaugural arts festival

Manukau Arts, proud partners in the inaugural Manukau Festival of Arts, have spent the last six months bringing together a variety of colourful events aimed at promoting the city’s energetic, creative arts scene.

Manager of Manukau Arts Leisa Siteine is excited about the festival.  “Manukau has a vibrant, talented art community.  This is a great way to raise the profile of our artists.  I know that this festival has something for the whole family to enjoy.”

“As well as bigger events such as Villa Maria Cult-Couture, Pecha Kucha Night Auckland #11 and the AXIS exhibition coming up later in November, the visual arts have a good presence in this year’s festival. Best of all, entry is free to all the exhibitions”.

Upcoming exhibitions at Manukau Arts Centres include:

Students of Buck Nin - Mangere Arts Centre, Shop 17, Mangere Town Centre, Bader Drive, Mangere, 17 October - 8 November

This exhibition celebrates the life and achievements of Maori painter and educator Dr Buck Nin. Dr Nin's prodigious output and cutting-edge paintings are recognised as masterpieces of New Zealand art.

The exhibition features the work of his past students alongside graduates of the Buck Nin School of Fine Arts, Te Wananga o Aotearoa in Mangere. Many of Manukau's most recognised artists have been part of the school either as a teacher or student. Artists include: Mere Clifford, Destiny Cooper, Natalie Hunt, Lorraine King, Terry Klavenes, Dana Rapata, Nadya Rapata, Visesio Siasau, Serene Tay, Rangitahi Tukere Teanga and Vanessa Wynyard.

Meat & Lollies - Fresh Gallery Otara, Otara Town Centre, 31 October to 22 November

Curated by Janet Lilo and Ema Tavola, Meat & Lollies brings together a diverse group of visual Manukau artists who have been invited to respond to ideas around food as a cultural language and the opposing forces of repulsion and attraction.

Artists featured are: Mele Penitani, Genevieve Pini, Sean Kerrigan, Antonio Filipo, Leilani Kake and Siliga Setoga.

Otara Art Market - Otara Community Courtyard, Otara Town Centre, Saturdays 1, 8 and 15 November, 9am to 12pm

Presented in partnership with the Otara Business Association, the market presents a lively programme of art-making demonstrations, live music and art stalls selling high-quality, locally produced art products, design and adornment pieces.  It is a perfect way to support local artists.

In Dog We Trust - Nathan Homestead, 70 Hill Road, Manurewa, 7 to 30 November

A solo exhibition from Northland artist Joanna Ball, this quirky, irreverent exhibition explores the role of man’s best friend and features canine images on canvas and ceramic platters.  The work reveals the personal and emotional bonds we have with dogs.

Look out for more updates on Manukau Arts events over the coming weeks.  For opening times of Manukau Arts Centres go to www.manukau.govt.nz/arts.
 

ENDS

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