Sun Sep 29 23:47:21 UTC 2024: ## Auckland’s Art Week Shines a Light on Urban Māori

Auckland’s vibrant Art Week, running from October 4-13, will be a celebration of creativity and culture, with a particular focus on Māori art and identity.

The 10-day program, themed “Happiness,” features a diverse range of events, including:

* **Changing Lanes:** Nine temporary public artworks in city center laneways, with free guided art walks and opportunities to interact with 22 artists.
* **Late Night Art:** Over 40 events, including the Late Night on High art market, the Urban Art Village street art festival, and late-night gallery openings.

**Kura Gallery’s “Urban Māori” Exhibition**

One of the highlights of Art Week will be the Kura Gallery’s new exhibition, “Urban Māori.” The exhibition invites Māori artists to explore the complex and evolving meaning of the term “Urban Māori” in contemporary New Zealand.

The exhibition will feature diverse perspectives from artists across the country, with discussions about the work taking place on October 10.

**Māori Art and Storytelling**

The week also features events highlighting the rich history and contemporary expression of Māori art. These include:

* **Walk with Māori and Pasifika Art:** Guided tours with author and art historian David Hill, exploring public artworks by Māori and Polynesian artists, celebrating pre-European culture.
* **RĀ, a Text-Based Sound and Light Sculpture:** A new installation in Vulcan Lane by artists Tyrone Ohia, Angus Muir and Dr Riki Gooch, celebrating the Māori name for sun and bringing light and joy to the space.
* **Lighting Sequence by Pāora Puru:** Iwi artist Pāora Puru has designed a custom lighting sequence for the Deloitte Centre at One Queen Street, inspired by Ngāti Te Ata Waiohua traditions and the volcanic landscape of Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland. The display will be unveiled on October 10 as part of Late Night Art.
* **Ko Au: He Pō:** An intimate dance installation by Projekt Team, exploring identity and cultural expression through contemporary dance.

Art Week promises to be an exciting and engaging celebration of creativity and culture in Auckland, offering a unique opportunity to experience the vibrancy and depth of Māori art and identity.

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