ARTWEEK 2012 Launch puts central City’s Art Scene on the map

Media Alert Friday, 19th October 2012

ARTWEEK 2012 Launch puts the central City’s Art Scene on the Map

To kick off the launch of ARTWEEK 2012, a lycra-suited mime, Hannah McQuillan from White Wall, ushered 150 guests into The Nathan Club for the official launch party of ARTWEEK 2012 last night.

BIG little City and The New Zealand Contemporary Arts Trust united the wider Auckland artistic community to celebrate the abundance of visual arts on offer for the ten-day event which starts on Friday, 26 October.

In its third year running, ARTWEEK 2012 seeks to welcome art-lovers and the curious to engage with and discover the BIG little City’s artists and galleries. Encompassing both the new and the known, ARTWEEK 2012 is thrilled to showcase the colourful diversity of public and private art through free art exhibitions, art-related talks, special events, late-night openings, art tours and exhibitions in commercial and public art galleries and venues around the BIG little City.

With 95bFM’s DJs mixing up some tasteful tunes on the deck, The Nathan Club was buzzing with excitement and conversation as artists and the artful mingled. Sam Davis, of 95bFM, kicked off the formalities with guests treated to a theatrical poetry reading performance of “Brown girls in bright red lipstick” from talented author, Courtney Sina Meredith.

Art world opinions were also put to the floor with influential art critic Josie McNaught, and a range of Auckland’s art dealers, including Tim Melville, Antoinette Godkin, Warwick Henderson, Emma Fox and Kathlene Fogharty.

To top off a fantastic evening, Natalie Donzé of Heart of the City, announced the exciting Westpac-funded project at the Tank Farms in Wynyard Quarter. Respected art commentator, Hamish Keith is the driving force behind this project, in which five artists have been selected to decorate the walls of the Tanks in a creative concept.

Westpac’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Sue Foley is thrilled to see the tank farm transform and proud to be supporting Auckland’s artistic community.

“It’s great to be able to champion creativity and support New Zealand art in such a high profile spot for all Aucklanders to enjoy. We’re delighted to be working with Heart of the City for this year’s Art Week,” Ms Foley says.

Spaces are filling quickly for the BIG little City art tours, with much anticipation and hype around the Unlocked Collections, as Aucklanders and visitors alike are given the opportunity to see inside some of Auckland’s most prized corporate art collections. Another top pick for ARTWEEK is the BIG little City Late Night on the 1st November, as public galleries open their doors after hours alongside a gourmet food market with Eat Here Now and art events.

For further information on all the central city events, head to biglittlecity.co.nz or

artweekauckland.co.nz/events.

Ends

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