Aotearoa Premiere

Immerse yourself in nature at the Sanctuary and witness six artists from around Aotearoa create sustainable, ephemeral artworks using only natural materials.

A medieval figure eyeballs the audience, snacking on Doritos to the soundtrack of crunched celery. Live Foley art, cinematic sound and dance meet (un)reality in dancer/choreographer Rebecca Jensen and sound artist Aviva Endean’s ode to the complexity of our current world. 

Likened to Kate Bush, Anna Meredith and Björk, Esther Swift explores ritual, connection, isolation, and the natural world with pedal harp and voice, spanning genres from classical chamber to Scottish folk music. Prolific, bold, innovative – all the way from Scotland for this special performance.

Crochet extraordinaires Lissy and Rudi Robinson-Cole are among THE most exciting contemporary visual artists in Aotearoa right now with their ngā toi celebrating cultural heritage through captivating storytelling and artistic innovation. We are immensely proud to commission their new large-scale project, Waka of Dreams. 

Via ceramics, papier maché, textiles, poetry, pen and ink, Sam Duckor-Jones builds communities, casting a fluorescent pink lens across the fears and triumphs of an aspirationally shimmering live-alone gay in 21st century Aotearoa.

‘It was so Surreal’, is a common expression of strange visual phenomena which may feel fantastical, absurdist, dream-or nightmare-like, or as if ‘reality’ is muddled with the bizarre. The genes of Surrealist art are widespread in contemporary art practices today, but also in visual culture at large, such as film and advertising; so much so, we take them for granted.

Leading Māori ceramicist Carla Ruka brings together a collective of artists to explore the powerful symbolism of clay in a new exhibition at The Suter Art Gallery. Delving into the realm of Hineukurangi, the Māori deity of clay, this showcase offers a unique perspective on Māori culture and artistry.

Join acclaimed saxophonist Thabani Gapara and his band in a vibrant celebration of his new album Dzindza (ancestry) which blends traditional African rhythms with contemporary jazz sounds. From original Afro Jazz compositions to reimagined familiar classics, these flamboyant and infectious rhythms will get your feet stomping.

RNZ presenter Susie Ferguson recounts her years as a war correspondent while battling endometriosis and discusses her breathtaking memoir on tenacity and self-belief, which shines a light on a health system that isn’t made for us and proves the importance of being loud with our truths. Chaired by Naomi Arnold.

The whispers return to our city’s bollards! Led by artist and tutor Klaasz Breukel, Level 5 & 6 NMIT Digital Art & Design students share their reflections on how the arts can carve a path forward through the cresting waves of a fast-changing world. 

Piezo transducers wired to locally found objects, augmented electronica and real-time projection of ghostly hints of underlying sound coalesce in a series of sculptural instruments. From the creators of Piki Mai, see a new multimedia work develop across two days or join for the final performance.

We’re proud to again gift a paid residency to an artist from Te Tauihu, to progress their mahi or trial new ideas. This will culminate in a sharing during the Festival where the selected residency artist can show the community what they’re working on. Our 2024 recipients are Hariata Herekoe and Chloe Loftus.

Join us for an unforgettable night at Wero, a curated club event that honors and celebrates the vibrant contributions of BIPOC and LGBTQIA+ communities within Aotearoa’s electronic music scene. This unique gathering is more than just a club night; it’s a powerful homage to those who have dared to challenge societal norms, push boundaries, and reshape the cultural landscape.

Join World of WearableArt Founder & Ambassador Dame Suzie Moncrieff, Show Director Malia Johnston and award-winning designer Gill Saunders for an entertaining evening of memories.