What’s on
Explore current projects supported by Arts Out East.
The Art Of Conversation
Art of Conversation: Curated by Felixe Laing
The art of conversation is back for 2024, with new artists and venues. The Art of Conversation is a series highlighting artists who share connections to the East Auckland area. Each invited artist will talk about their work and their practice in their favorite local café. This free series aims to break the formal nature of artist talks and support local businesses. All we ask is that when you attend, you purchase a hot or cold drink to support the chosen local business. Think good vibes, great art chat, and supporting locals with a nice beverage. This will run throughout the month of May 2024.
Check out the series, make sure the dates are in your diary.
Saturday 11 May, 11am
Golden Viet, Pakuranga3 Rylock Place, Pakuranga Heights, Auckland 2010
Friday 17 May, 10:30am
Columbus Café at Botany Mitre10 Mega9 Bishop Dunn Place, Flat Bush, Auckland 2013
Sunday 19 May, 1:30pm
Hancock's Cafe, Howick87 Picton Street, Howick, Auckland 2014
Sunday 26 May, 10:30am
Hawthorn Dene Historic Country Cafe, BotanyDown the long driveway 280 Botany Road, Golflands, Auckland
Saturday 1 June, 1:30pm
The Gallery Cafe, (UXBRIDGE) Howick35 Uxbridge Road, Mellons Bay, Auckland 2014
Arts Out East is supported by Te Tuhi and Howick Local Board
INHABIT: Iteration 111
INHABIT: iteration 111
Inhabit is a public art project in New Zealand that delves into the traditions of care within birthing communities. Launched in 2021, it creates a space for community care at the intersection of birth, reproductive justice, public art, and social practice. The project connects art-making and story-sharing in homes, emphasizing the diverse experiences of parenthood and family building, and the evolving approaches to postpartum care. Inhabit makes the experiences of motherhood, care work, and domestic labor visible through art and community engagement, fostering exchange and reflection through the sharing of personal stories.
During Inhabit residencies, participants share their stories, and visual and oral histories are actively explored and documented on the project's website. In 2024, Inhabit; Iteration III will feature an installation of sewn banners using iconic New Zealand cotton redline flat nappies. These banners, dyed with natural colors, incorporate messages from conversations during Iterations I and II. The banners, made from women's messages on post-it notes, create an ever-evolving, immersive space that responds to participants and co-creators. The project includes workshops where the artist will shares tea, food, and conversation.
Inhabit highlights the artist's role as a creative facilitator, emphasizing the importance of treating wellbeing with the same value as art. The artist engages in "making through motherhood" to contribute to ongoing conversations about negotiating space for oneself at home, the role of artists in the community, and the challenges of being an artist-mother.
Check back in to see how this project progresses!
Artist Bio:
Holli seamlessly navigates social practice, video, performance, photography, and text-based work, involving audiences as active participants with unique materials like salt, spiritual mediums, carrier pigeons, and a barbershop quartet.
Her focus on Motherhood expands her creative practice, aiming to re-center and heal lived experiences through socially engaged art. Holli explores societal values, encouraging reflection on priorities for potential change.
With a Bachelor's in Visual Arts (Photography) from Unitec, NZ (2006), an MFA scholarship at Carnegie Mellon School of Art (2011/2012), and a Masters of Arts from Auckland University of Technology (2013), Holli brings a diverse educational background.
After training as a full-spectrum doula in Brooklyn, New York, Holli returned to Aotearoa NZ. In 2021, she was awarded the Letting Space Public Arts Commission for her participatory project, Inhabit, showcased in the USA and New Zealand.
Arts Out East is supported by Te Tuhi and Howick Local Board
Seb Judd (Chequered Patterns): Arts Out East Music Directory
AOE Music Directory
As a producer and music engineer, Chequered Patterns is keen to support local musicians and provide a platform for discovery and connection. The directory will serves as a comprehensive showcase of the diverse talents within our community featuring 20 or more musicians. Each profile will include a bio, images, sound bites and relevant links to their work. The idea is that whether you're a music enthusiast, industry professional, or simply curious about local talent you can utilise the directory. The best thing is this platform will continue to evolve as new musicians sign up, ensuring expansion of the platform.
Running alongside the music directory will be an Arts Out East Spotify Playlist. Handpicked tracks from the directory will form a dynamic collection celebrating East Auckland musicians. By listening to the playlist, you will support local musicians and build a network for our community.
Learn more about Chequered Patterns: Website
If you are a local musician and want to be part of this project click here
This project was funded Arts Out East a programme supported by Te Tuhi and Howick Local Board.
Dylan Kay: One Finger Guitarist- postponed
Dylan Kay: One Finger Guitarist - postponed
Get ready to groove with local guitarist Dylan Kay during Music Month! Join us as we proudly present a one-of-a-kind series featuring free slide guitar performances at various locations throughout Howick Village. As part of our celebration for NZ Music Month and our vibrant local community, Dylan Kay will captivate audiences with his original compositions, arrangements, and improvisations on solo electric slide guitar.
We're excited to have the support of the following businesses in bringing this musical experience to you:
Poppies Book store / Sunday 12 May, 11.30am
Village Optometrists / Friday 17 May, 4pm
Village Wholefoods Cafe / TBC
Village Lane / TBC
Join us in supporting local talent and embracing the spirit of music in our community. Stay tuned for performance dates and locations!
Dylan Kay’s Instagram
Project funded by Arts Out East, an initiative of Te Tuhi, supported by the Howick Local Board.
Wāhine Exhibition
Wāhine Exhibition
Arts Out East are proud to present a new exhibition celebrating the stories behind some of Aotearoa's remarkable women. Inspired by local East Auckland artist Wendy Hannah who’s practice often explores the ability for art to make change, while focusing on the history of women’s rights in New Zealand, this new exhibition, Wāhine, delves into the stories of 10 local wāhine who embody the pioneering spirit and leadership that have shaped our communities.
Through storytelling and portraits, the exhibition celebrates these feminine change-makers and leaders who have left an indelible mark on society, culture, and their communities. They have shared knowledge, nurtured skills, and championed causes dear to their hearts while giving generously of their time and expertise to pave the way for a brighter future.
Join us as we honour these women across generations who have dared to dream of a better world and lived boldly and authentically. Their achievements and legacies will be showcased, inspiring us all to embrace resilience, strength, and the spirit of Aotearoa's extraordinary women.
Stay tuned for updates on the exhibition and the inspiring women who will be featured.
Learn more about the creatives behind this project:
Bel Butler: Website, Instagram
Natasha Bidesi: Instagram
The Wāhine Exhibition has been generously supported by Botany Town Centre, Arts Out East, Te Tuhi and the Howick Local Board.
The Future Forest
The Future Forest
Arts Out East has been collaborating with Mission Heights Junior College and Primary on an innovative signage project, an integral part of the school's ‘Future Forest’ initiative. The ngahere (forest) was a restoration planting of some 19,000 native trees on the grounds of Mission Heights Schools. The collaboration between Mission Heights Primary School (MHPS), Mission Heights Junior College (MHJC) and Pest Free Howick Ward (PFHW) is regarded as one of the largest restoration planting projects undertaken on a school property in Aotearoa, New Zealand.
The vision for a future forest was conceived along the construction of a bike and pump track. The goals were fostering safe cycling access within the local community, as well as promoting its health benefits. Following that, the Matariki Legacy Project engaged over 2000 members from the local community and both schools in planting native trees around the track. The project aimed to improve students' understanding and skills in regenerating and caring for our native biodiversity, while enhancing the beauty of the track. It aligns with both schools' long-term goal of mana ōrite mō te Mātauranga Māori. Meaningfully starting during Matariki in 2022, the initiative celebrated new beginnings and the importance of community engagement.
The signage serves a functional purpose, providing information about the future forest for the public to engage with while using the bike track and enjoying the planting. Arts Out East enlisted Clark Bardsley Design to create the signage, and Kate Hindson from Titanium Design to develop the artwork for the information board, in which she incorporated students' drawings of birds and plant life. This creative duo has produced a gorgeous and functional piece of art that will be enjoyed by the community and many students who will attend the school.
The Future Forest project is set to be unveiled to the public in June, coinciding with the celebration of Matariki 2024.
Kate Hindson: Website
Clark Bardsley Design: Website /Instagram
Arts Out East is supported by Te Tuhi and Howick Local Board
The encounter
The Encounter
“When we attune with others, we allow our own integral state to shift, to come to resonate with the inner world of another” – Dr. Dan Siegel.
As a Brazilian artist, teacher and Dance, Movement and Art Therapist, Sergio Dantas has used movement and self-expression throughout his career to improve one’s mental well-being.
In upcoming workshops, Sergio will facilitate limited sessions where strangers come together and explore the properties of movement and non-verbal communication. The bodily senses of sight, hearing and movement will be the language of communication and connection between facilitator and all participants.
Upon the participants’ arrival, Sergio will remain silent and techniques including attunement and mirroring may be used. Both of which are thought to develop a deeper sense of playfulness and creativity but to connect deeper to oneself and others.
Once the movement component of the session is over, visitors will be invited to respond to the experience, using visual art materials provided in the space.
Arts Out East is supported by Te Tuhi and Howick Local Board
Bike Hub Mural
Bike Hub Mural
Bike Hubs are located across Tāmaki Makaurau which are operated and facilitated by passionate volunteers. Bike hubs are all about providing a safe, inviting and accessible space for local communities to learn about all thing’s bikes. These spaces have reliable and consistent hours, and work alongside community, in developing their skills and knowledge, so they can freely enjoy the benefits of cycling without barriers.
They provide:
Free basic bike maintenance – we help you to fix your bike.
free access to tools
restored and safety-checked second-hand bikes for sale.
used bike parts and accessories.
safe cycling advice and guidance
Events and activities with other organisation
The Bike Hub in Lloyd Elsmore Park is getting a mural with a local twist, crafted by the talented Elliot Francis Stewart. The vibrant artwork will capture East Auckland, featuring local landmarks and symbols that celebrate our community's spirit.
Can’t wait to see the finished project!
Elliot Francis Stewart’s bio
Elliot Francis Stewart, third youngest of nine children who grew up and went to school in the Eastern Auckland suburb of Pakuranga. He spent his childhood engrossed in comic books and creating elaborately rendered drawings of galleon’s and scenes of war.
In 1996, his family relocated to the inner city neighborhood of Grey Lynn and he attended the now defunct Auckland Metropolitan College, an alternative school where he met his tight-knit crew of friends who became known as the RFC (Rat Fink Club) crew.
Initially garnering a reputation for his often offbeat cartoon-based graffiti, Elliot became part of TMD (The Most Dedicated) in 2001 and quickly established himself as the foremost talent in character based work in aerosol. Furthermore, his early shows at The Gully Lounge in St.Kevin’s Arcade and Disrupt Gallery, allowed him to showcase elaborate and influential illustrative works often created on found objects in common house paint and ballpoint pen.
Elliot Francis Stewart’s Instagram
Eco Matters’ Instagram
This project was funded by Auckland Transport, delivered by Arts Out East and supported by Te Tuhi, Howick Local Board, and Eco Matters.
Brendan Kitto: Howick Ward 2024
Connecting generations through a nostalgic experience that uses both old and new practices, indoor and outdoor spaces.
Brendan Kitto is a film and digital photographer whose early teenage years were informed by sub-cultural communities in the East Auckland area, where he grew up and where his family still reside.
Revisiting a series of work shown in 2020, Brendan’s 2024 photographic installation features previously exhibited and new images of local landmarks and places of significance from the past and present. Located at 61 Picton Street, Howick, these photographs are shown on the rear of the Howick Village Jeweller and across from the Hospice Shop Howick. Each month the series of three images will change.
Titled ‘Howick Ward’, this project revisits photographer Brendan Kitto’s early years of growing up in East Auckland, shining light on the importance of history and documentation during a time of growth and redevelopment. By using photos of the area, Brendan talks about the past, present and future for Howick Village from an early-millennial’s perspective, Brendan hopes to connect all generations through a nostalgic experience that uses both old and new image capturing practices.
Thanks to The Howick Village Association and the team at Phantom Billboards for supporting this project.
W: brendankitto.com | IG: @brendankitto
Where’s home?
Where’s home?
'Where’s home?’, a project by Valerie Ong (from heyvalceramics), considers the vibrance of cultural diversity within the local area through making, story-telling and food. Created by Valerie Ong, this project is presented as a two-part series or workshops embodying the qualities of what it means to exchange.
24 Feb: Part one will see participants receive a gift from Valerie in the form of blank pre-made bowls and plates. In return guests are invited to share and develop conversations around where it is they come from and what they define as home. Participants are asked to then paint their resulting ideas from these conversations onto the ceramics, reflecting their cultural richness through exchanging knowledge and story-telling.
2 March: Part two of the workshops will see the plates and bowls glaze fired (thanks to Valerie) making them usable. Participants will return to feast together with each person bringing a plate of food from their home(s) to share amongst the group, then taking their new and beloved plates home to cultivate further exchanges amongst friends, family and even strangers beyond the project.
Limited tickets available here.
*The workshop is free. All we ask is that you bring a plate of food to share with others for part two of the series. By RSVP’ing you are commiting to both workshops. Limited spaces available. Please email us at heyvalceramics@gmail.com to go on a waiting list should spaces become available.
Artist bio
Valerie Ong is a Singaporean born artist based in Tāmaki Makaurau. Since graduating from Elam School of Fine Arts with a Bachelor of Fine Arts (Honours), Val’s practice explored ideas including the complexities of migration, what it means to preserve a cultural identity in a contemporary multi-cultural society and nostalgia.
In recent years, the artist developed ‘Hey Val Ceramics’ (@heyval_ceramics) a bespoke brand consisting of hand thrown functional pieces, which have been acquired by the likes of Sid at the French Cafe (@sidatthefrenchcafe) and featured at various collectives across the motu. Val has delivered public ceramic workshops, worked as an artist in The Ministry of Education’s Creatives in Schools Programme for Rosehill Intermediate School and is currently a ceramic technician at Studio One Toi Tū.
Arts Out East is supported by Te Tuhi and Howick Local Board
Glitter Critters
Gritter Critters - Kids Event
Families joined us for a picnic and entertainment with fabulous drag performers to celebrate pride. . There was rainbow Storytime with Bruno Salsicce, creative drawing with the glamourous Shavorn Aborealis and sparkly facepainting with Miss Geena. This was an inclusive event for all families.
What a magical day we had filled with glitter, music, stories, drawing, and face painting - Through this event, we've planted seeds of understanding, acceptance, and love. Here's to fostering a brighter, more inclusive future for all!
Follow the performers:
Shavorn Aborealis Facebook / Instagram,
Hugo Grrrl Facebook / Instagram
Miss Geena Facebook / Instagram
Bruno Salsicce Instagram
This was an Arts Out East project supported by Te Tuhi and Howick Local Board
Ra Ora x Kerwyn Avenue Chorus Box
Chorus Box
We are proud to be working alongside Business East Tāmaki and The Beautification Trust for the painting of a Chorus box on Kerwyn Avenue and Ra Ora Drive.
As an outcome of accepting Expressions of Interest, this collaboration has come from the definition of community (the main way in which we connect with creatives for projects). Within our local community is Samoan artist Falefatu Carreras Enari. Submitted for the Chorus box proposal, was Falefatu’s colourful imagery, using prominent line work and colour blocking to capture local landmarks to East Auckland.
The imagery you see showcases Pakuranga Creek, the Pakuranga Rotary, Musick Point Radio Tower and houses along Bucklands Beach waterfront.
Replicating this artwork on behalf of Falefatu is local creative Olive Breach, a tutor, artist and facilitator.
Artist bio:
Talofa lava. My name is Falefatu Carreras Enari. I enjoy watching television programmes especially comedies from the 1970s, listening to disco music and spending time with my Mum and my sister.
I liked drawing when I was younger. I used to draw with my felts in my scrapbooks.
I started going to Mapura Art Studio in February 2010. I have learnt how to paint, and how to use colored ink from the tutors. I enjoy taking photos, using the coloured felts and having a cup of tea at Mapura.
I like drawing pictures of people, houses, food and family. I use lots of lines, felts and bright colours. My artwork is colourful so that when people look at it, they can feel better.
Manuia fa'afetai,
Falefatu Carreras Enari
This was an Arts Out East project supported by Howick Local Board, Business East Tamaki, Mapura Studios and the Beautification Trust. Arts Out East is a Te Tuhi programme.
Daisy Nicholas: Cyanotype installation
The wait is over!
Explore Daisy Nicholas's 10m long cyanotype masterpiece now exhibiting at Palmers Pakuranga
Supported in the 2022-2023 funding round, Daisy was drawn to capture the local ecology of Mellons Bay Beach. Members of the public and Daisy made a 10m long cyanotype mapping a sea of texture, colour and shapes upon foraging and placing the object onto the fabric, creating a unique relationship between art and the environment.
Installed now at Palmers, this work celebrates the vibrancy of our natural and marries with the beautiful florals housed at the plant centre. We’re lucky to work alongside businesses who support there local community and art driven projects with such enthusiasm.
Follow Daisy Nicholas: Instagram
This project is funded by Arts Out East and supported by Palmers, Te Tuhi and the Howick Local Board .
FEED your EYES
FEED your EYES
Introducing FEED your EYES, a project created by Toni Mosley, where artists are supporting and uplifting local hospitality. The artists will be making a set of limited edition screenprints with Blue Bathtub Press based on their own creative practice.
The way to get your hands on a prints is by visiting one of the many restaurant and cafes listed, spending a minimum of $50 and to thank you for your support you will receive a print from one of the 5 artists involved.
All you need to do is visit Te Tuhi and hand over your recipt in exchange for a print, easy as that!
The artists involved are:
Peatree
Greta Umbers
Louisa Afoa
Sarah Walker-Holt
Reuben Lankshear
Toni Mosley
Locations:
Vanilla Plant Based Kitchen / 65 Picton Street, Howick
Golden Olive Restaurant & Pizzeria / 190 Fisher Parade, Farm Cove
Spices Thai Restaurant / 123 Ormiston Road, Botany Junction
Hello Stranger / 27A Smales Road, East Tamaki
Izakaya– 5loaves and 2Fish Sake Restaurant / 87D Picton Street Central Terrace, Howick
Ormiston Cafe / 1 Bellingham Road, Flat Bush
Pita House Pakuranga / 2-10 Cortina Place, Pakuranga
Photune 15/ 345 Chapel Road, Flat Bush
Hawthorn Dene Historical Cafe / 280 Botany Road, Botany Downs
Book N Brick / 83b Hattaway Avenue, Bucklands Beach
Mehmaan / 26 Uxbridge Rd, Howick, Auckland 2014
Arts Out East is supported by Te Tuhi and Howick Local Board
Wendy Hannah: Liberty-Herekoretanga
Liberty-Herekoretanga
Liberty-herekoretanga celebrates the achievements of women and embraces the beauty of diversity and the importance of environmental awareness. To signify and commemorate 130 years of women’s suffrage, the towering structure composed of 31,872 camellia flowers made from recycled bottles.
In the 1890s, white camellias became a symbol of Aotearoa New Zealand women’s suffrage when suffragists gave the flowers to their parliamentary supporters to wear in the House to show their support for women’s rights. At the same time, 13 petitions, with a total of 31,872 signatures demanding that women be given the right to vote, were delivered to Parliament. On 19 September 1893, New Zealand became the world's first self-governing country to lawfully value women's right to vote in parliamentary elections.
Liberty – Herekoretanga features 31,872 carefully arranged and illuminated camellia flowers made in the workshops, each flower representing one of the signatures on the petitions presented to parliament in the 1890s. Each camellia made by communities throughout New Zealand reignites our history. The flowers, varying in shape, colour, and size, represent women's diverse experiences, backgrounds, and contributions throughout New Zealand’s history.
In 2018, artist Wendy Hannah started the Camellia Project NZ. Over the last five years she has visited schools and community groups throughout Aotearoa New Zealand, running workshops to make camellia flowers from recycled drink bottles and talking about the history of women’s rights in New Zealand alongside the importance of recycling and reducing waste.
Wendy Hannah (European, Ngāti Awa and Te Arawa descent) is a contemporary artist based in East-Auckland. A graduate of Elam School of Fine Arts, her practice explores colour, and refractive and reflective materiality, especially light. Focusing on the ability of art to make change, Wendy uses colourways to explore wider ecological, social and political change. With a strong interest in community, her practice includes participatory workshops and community led activations (including working with the Māori Women’s Welfare League), as well as having artwork displayed throughout Aotearoa, New Zealand and internationally.
Wendy Hannah says, “Liberty-Herekoretanga serves as a poignant reminder of the accomplishments and ongoing struggles of women, while also advocating for sustainable practices and environmental consciousness. It stands as a powerful symbol of empowerment, diversity, and unity, inspiring viewers to embrace the past, celebrate the present, and work towards a brighter and more inclusive future”.
We invite you to visit Botany Town Centre and sit beneath the collection of translucent camellias. The flowers come to life, glowing with a soft, radiant light. The dynamic illumination showcases the vibrancy and strength of women, illuminating the path forward towards gender equality and social progress.
Liberty-Herekoretanga can be found in the Pavillion of Botany Town Centre outside Glassons clothing store, all you have to do is look up!
Follow Wendy Hannah: Facebook / Instagram
The production and installation of Liberty - Herekoretanga has been generously supported by Botany Town Centre, Arts Out East, Te Tuhi and the Howick Local Board.