2nd November 2017

AyoAyo now installed!

Phase #3 of Gap Filler’s DiversCity: Community Showcase Project has just been installed!

This phase has seen the organisation work with members of the Nigerian Canterbury Association to create a mancala board. Known as an Ayoayo in Nigeria, mancala is a game that involves moving pieces or seeds from ‘dishes’ usually carved into a piece of wood.

Local wood worker, Jim Goodwin has been the main woodcarver creating the mancala from a giant log that was kindly donated to the project by Tree Tech. The log is part of one of the black poplar trees that was felled in Hagley Park earlier this year.

Dennis Agelebe, President of the Nigerian Canterbury Association says of the project “The Gap Filler organisation is doing wonderful work, we’re really pleased to be involved in creating this AyoAyo game”.

The aim behind DiversCity is to showcase some of our city’s migrant communities and increase their visibility in the city. Frequently, cultural offerings are events which although fun and interesting, are only on for a day or two. These projects offer something of a longer duration.

This is the third project in Gap Filler’s DiversCity series. The first project involved working with members of the Korean community on a public K-pop event in November last year. The second phase in DiversCity was Ping Pong - the three, very popular, public ping pong tables located near the bridge of Remembrance from December 2016 - June 2017. This involved collaborating with the Chinese Cultural Association. Two of these ping pong tables are now located at the airport in their outdoor areas for people to enjoy.

“We’ve learned a lot by doing these projects. Each community we’ve worked with has required us to work in different ways, taking into account cultural differences. It’s been pleasing how well received they’ve all been” says Damian Doyle, Gap Filler Project Developer.

AyoAyo will be situated on the West side of the Otakaro/Avon River, between Worcester and Hereford Streets from November till February next year and available to play anytime.

ends

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