New furnishings in the CBD’s Living Room

Auckland City Council
Media release

03 April 2008

New furnishings in the CBD’s Living Room

Look out for some exciting creative activity in the CBD throughout April, May and June as part of Auckland City Council’s 2008 Living Room series.

Throughout the three months, six visual and performing art installations will unexpectedly appear in various locations around the CBD, each one grabbing the attention of passers-by and adding interest and entertainment to the public’s day and night activities.

The council’s arts services manager, Gail Richards, says the Living Room series aims to enliven the central city’s public spaces and encourage people to discover the vibrant sights and sounds of the CBD.

“This year’s programme has an energetic, new media and interactive focus,” she says

“A few of the installations will come to life after the sun goes down, providing good reasons for early evening visits to the CBD as well as during the day.”

The first to appear will be a mobile performance installation called Die Henkel Spur, by Winning Productions and Fertility Festival. From 10 April, this fun and engaging contemporary re-creation of one of New Zealand’s first musical troupes will be stopping to entertain passers-by at various locations around the CBD.

Leading up to Anzac day, the Friendly Girls Society will be setting up the FGS Remembrance and Rest Clubhouse in Khartoum Place. Their installation will present little-known stories about this area of the city and the role of Auckland women during wartime, within the context of Anzac Day. Be sure to visit the clubhouse between 21 and 24 April to enjoy the respite, conversation, activities, tea and Anzac biscuits – all in the spirit of remembrance and rest.

Other installations in the programme include:

- My Heart is a Beast, by Winning Productions: a series of roving dance performances and digital projections evoking an image of stag-horned people inhabiting the city as workers

- Storybox, by Dnation Creative: a contemporary video jockey experience encompassing maritime research, story-telling, music and performance

- Peep Show, by Chow:Hill: a night time installation revealing contrasting visual stories of Auckland’s urban residents.

The final installation, Urban Life, by Test Tube TV, acknowledges an important CBD historical site – the Odeon Cinema in Lorne Street – and presents a contemporary, digital, interactive experience.

The Living Room programme is funded by the CBD targeted rate and is one of many projects that form part of a 10-year action plan to enhance the urban environment and support the vitality and attractiveness of the CBD.

Visit www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/events for more details on Living Room 2008.

ENDS

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