Visual Arts at the Auckland Arts Festival
Join us across Tāmaki Makaurau and become immersed in the breathtaking artwork that tells the stories of history and demonstrates pathways for the future, expressed through imagination and creativity.
With open days, special events and more to be announced, this display of visual art is so amazing, you’ll need to see it to believe it.
A Very Different World
From renowned Māori curator Ngahiraka Mason, A Very Different World is a platform to focus on wellbeing and a much-needed glimmer of hope for the future.
Te Tuhi and Papatūnga
14 Feb – 9 May
Edith and George: in our sea of islands
A photography exhibition bringing together the portrait work of artists Edith Amituanai and the late George Crummer.
Corban Estate Arts Centre
19 Feb – Sun 4 Apr
The Thrum of the Tide
It has been said that early settlers held Saturday night dances in Te Ana Ru cave – known as ‘the ballroom cave’ – until the 1920s, on a re-purposed, winchable kauri floor installed by local timber mill workers. The dances are well-known folklore and it is thought the floor is still in the cave, buried deep under the sand.
Te Uru Waitākere Contemporary Gallery
20 Feb – 23 May
The Dawn Raids – Educate to Liberate
Documenting the courageous activities of the Polynesian Panthers and their fight for social justice, The Dawn Raids – Educate to Liberate highlights and acknowledges the group’s place in the social and cultural history of Aotearoa.
Studio One, Toi Tū
25 Feb – 25 Mar
Aroha Art Project
Weaving together contributions from schools, kura, aged-care facilities, community and cultural organisations around the city, this large-scale collaborative art project asks the people of Auckland to reflect on what aroha means to them.
Aotea Square
4 –21 March
Digital Stage Artworks
A programme of exciting moving and still image contemporary artworks to be presented on the Digital Stage in Aotea Square throughout the Festival this summer.
Aotea Square
4 – 21 March
Educate to Liberate – Panthers Mural
This vibrant mural project, to be painted during the Festival, is a visual celebration of the interconnectedness between the Polynesian Panther Party of Aotearoa and the Black Panther Party – an icon of the American Civil Rights movement – as positive inspiration for future generations.
Corner Gundry St & Karangahape Rd
From 4 March
‘Amui ‘i Mu‘a | Ancient Futures
Led by contemporary masters Dagmar Vaikalafi Dyck and Sopolemalama Filipe Tohi, this landmark exhibition includes new paintings, prints and sculpture displayed with historic artefacts in response to an engagement with Tongan collections overseas.
The Wallace Arts Centre, Pah Homestead
5 Mar – 2 May
Ka Mua, Ka Muri
Ka mua, ka muri is a sound and moving image installation from artist Shannon Te Ao, exploring our experience of time, history and song.
Te Uru Waitākere Contemporary Gallery
6 Mar – 30 May
Pouwātū: Active Presence
Celebrating the dynamic 40-year career of tohunga whakaahua (photographer) John Miller 
(Ngāpuhi), Pouwātū is a statement of active presence. This exhibition is a collaboration with kaihoahoa whare (architect) Elisapeta Heta (Ngātiwai, Waikato Tainui).
Objectspace
6 Mar – 30 May
In Depth with Pauline & The Panthers RAPP
Featuring Polynesian Panthers Tigilau Ness, Dr Melani Alae & Reverend Alec Toleafoa.
Join Pauline Smith and the Polynesian Panthers as they talk about their dawn raid era experiences.
Studio One Toi Tū
Friday, March 12 – 6:00pm
Ockham Lecture Series: Researching the Dawn Raids: Pauline Smith
Join this very special Ockham lecture with Pauline Smith.
Researching the Dawn Raids will discuss the valuable insights Smith has gained during the development of her voice as a writer, producer and co-curator.
Objectspace
Tuesday, March 16 – 6:00pm
Corban’s Open Studio Day
Corban Estate Arts Centre is proud to welcome you to Corban’s Open Studio Day, where you can immerse yourself in a dedicated artistic environment, learn about our local community of diverse artists and see how and where their art is created.
Corban Estate Arts Centre
Saturday, March 20 – 11:00am
