The Latest News from Asia New Zealand

Welcome to the latest newsletter from the Asia New Zealand Foundation. More stories on our work can be found on www.asianz.org.nz.

The Asia:NZ team

Japan and New Zealand focus on a brighter future

The Japan-New Zealand Partnership Forum held in Tokyo earlier this week focussed on deepening co-operation for renewal and recovery. The theme was Japan and New Zealand – overcoming adversity, building the future. For forum outcomes see: NZ International Business Forum.

Crystal City exhibition opens at Dowse

A new exhibition by seven contemporary Asian artists will run from 16 July to 16 October at the Dowse Art Museum. The central theme of Crystal City is what it means to live in a built-up urban environment, yet remain connected to the natural world and the world of imagination.

Asia looks to a nuclear future

Continuing economic growth in the region will still be fuelled by nuclear power. Despite the risks Taiwan, South Korea, China and India are committed to increasing their nuclear capacity. The demands of the growing consumer economies in Southeast Asia are also likely to lock in the nuclear option.

Next Arts Grants deadline 29 July

Asia:NZ Arts Grants support projects by New Zealand-based organisations and individuals that educate New Zealanders about Asian arts and culture. The grants cover professional development and arts, as well as community events or projects supported by local government.

Emerging middle class driving Indonesia's boom

Indonesians are currently experiencing a consumer and resources driven boom that is creating attractive opportunities for business. New Zealand industry sectors are well placed to supply emerging middle income earners with quality goods and services. Indonesia is tipped to become a priority market for New Zealand exporters in the near future.

Artist's destiny is to visit China

Wellington artist Erica van Zon (pictured) begins a two-month residency at the Red Gate Gallery in Beijing next month as part of the WARE programme. She will use her own diverse arts practice to investigate Chinese popular culture, culminating in an 'open studio'. Erica will also develop a curatorial project about the Chinese Zodiac for Enjoy Gallery.

Auckland artist returns home for Korean residency

Jeena Shin is the 2011 recipient of a two-month residency at Changdong Art Studio in Korea. Her residency represents a significant acknowledgement of the major site-specific projects she has undertaken locally and provides an opportunity for her to extend her arts practice internationally.

Daily Chinglish

Kim Bowden (pictured) is currently an intern with the English-language newspaper, China Daily in Beijing. She joins a team of foreigners in the paper’s online department, who polish copy written by their Chinese colleagues. Kim also writes opinion pieces on local news events and experiences as a foreigner in China. For examples see: China Daily

Curators to tour China and Korea

Three emerging New Zealand curators have been selected for an Asian curatorial tour in October. Aaron Lister, Karl Chitam and Emma Bugden (pictured) will be exploring the contemporary art scenes in China and Korea. The three week tour will give them the opportunity to build their professional networks and develop their curatorial practice.

© Scoop Media