Sport and Art join forces

30 August 2005

OPPOSITES ATTRACT Sport and Art join forces to showcase their finest, for a weekend of unrivalled entertainment

If you’re lucky enough to be in Auckland this weekend you’ll be treated to two world-class events that celebrate New Zealand’s unique identity - The Bledisloe Cup and the inaugural Auckland Art Fair.

We can’t guarantee who will be victorious in the clash of The Mighty All Blacks and The Wallabies, but we can guarantee the outstanding exhibition of contemporary art that you'll find under one roof. In the last few days you may have heard All Black veteran – Anton Oliver lending his support to the Auckland Art Fair. If he can get out to both events then so can you. So rest up – it’s sure to be a weekend to remember.

The Auckland Art Fair is a prestigious three day event produced by The Contemporary Fine Art Dealers Association (CFADA) – where established dealer galleries represent participating artists which range from leading, established and mid-career artists. It’s a wonderful opportunity to check-out the exceptional talents of artists that are leading the contemporary art scene in New Zealand and Australia.

More than 200 artists and 20 leading galleries are exhibiting.

The Auckland Art Fair keenly promotes New Zealand art and introduces New Zealand, Pacific Island and Maori art to the rest of the world as a creative force. “New Zealand’s reputation for visual arts has been growing in stature on an international level and New Zealand artists have been well represented and heartily received in major art fairs throughout the world, says Deborah White, President of CFADA. White anticipates the Fair will create national and international, commercial and critical attention.

Gallery participation in the Auckland Art Fair is by invitation only. Participants represent the primary art market and specialise in the exhibition and first sales of artists’ work. The galleries have strict criteria for artist representation.

This criteria includes excellence, quality and authenticity. Traits that are ultimately passed on to art collectors. . “Private, commercial galleries promote and support contemporary art and living artists” says White. “We promote and maintain the highest standards of professionalism and provide trust and confidence to both the artists we represent and the art buying public.”

Auckland Mayor Dick Hubbard strongly supports the Art Fair - “This prestigious event is another fantastic opportunity for Auckland to represent New Zealand’s creative communities and to put Auckland City on the international cultural map. I look forward to visiting the fair as it’s such a unique opportunity to see so much of the country’s finest contemporary art in one place.”

Auckland Art Fair 2-4 September Britomart Events Pavillion Downtown Auckland www.aucklandartfair.co.nz

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