New 2018 Public Programmes at the Pah: Sunday Concert Series

The James Wallace Arts Trust is delighted to present two new series of public events at the Pah this year: a series of 10 Sunday Concerts featuring an eclectic mix of New Zealand artists, and four evenings of panel discussions exploring the importance of the arts in our society.

CEO Anne Rodda outlines the vision for the new programmes:

“These two innovative series at The Pah demonstrate the broad- reaching work of the James Wallace Arts Trust. By presenting concerts and inquisitive dialogue against the backdrop of NZ contemporary visual art, we not only increase our visitors’ exposure to and enjoyment of the arts, but we yoke several strands of the Trust’s work together – honouring artists, supporting them in meaningful ways, and engaging with our diverse community.”

In celebration of Auckland’s appointment to an official UNESCO City of Music in November 2017, the Trust has put together a series of monthly Sunday concerts, filling the galleries with live music from established and emerging New Zealand artists. Alongside the Jade String Quartet, who have been performing at the Pah for several years, there will be a diverse range of artists and musical genres, from cosmic jazz and classical tunes to original folk and alt-country. Starting on Sunday 25 February with a classical jazz cabaret by Denise Norton, accompanied by Mark Bradley on the piano, the Sunday Concert Series will be held monthly from February to November. All concerts will start at 5:30pm on the day. Homestead Café will be open for bar service until the start of the concert.

The discourse series Why Art Matters is looking to explore the role of the arts in our society. Held over a course of four evening events throughout the year, the series will cover different key aspects in which art impacts our cultural, social and economic well-being. In collaboration with partnering organisations and individuals, experts in their specific field, we aim to encourage discussion and a shared exploration of the many reasons why art matters.

Why Art Matters: Unwrapping the benefits of art to our society will kick off with an exploration of the convergence and diversity of arts in Education on Tuesday 6 March at 6:30pm. In partnership with the University of Auckland Art History Society, our speakers will discuss the holistic development we attain through our exposure to, and growing understanding of, contemporary art. Speakers Aroha Silenzio (Creative Director of Ngā Rangatahi Toa), author Mandy Hager, Dr Caroline Vercoe, Senior Lecturer of Art History at Auckland University, and Heidi Brickell, artist, writer and teacher, will share their experience of art in education. The subsequent events will explore the impact of arts on the Economy, our Health & Wellbeing, and their overall Social Impact.

Tickets for both series will be available from Eventbrite. All net profit sales will go to the musicians and the partnering organisations, or a chosen project. Please visit https://wallaceartstrust.eventbrite.co.nz to purchase tickets for all concerts and talks. Please note that ticket prizes may vary slightly, with a discounted rate for students.

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