The No. 8 Wire - Issue 6

Filed on 22 June 2004
An Electronic Alert for Wellington's Creative People

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This edition of the No. 8 Wire is a hodge-podge of arts opportunities and prospects. There are now over 300 creative people on this email list, and I'm happy to add more (or remove anyone who does not wish to get such notices). If you have an item or news for the Gondwanaland Ministry of Culture, just email it to arts@wcc.govt.nz and I'll be happy to include it in the next edition of this cyber-circular.

Thanks to everyone who attended the Council's Economy & Arts Committee last week, in support of the new arts centre plan. The solidarity was noted by your elected officials, and a copy of the 40-page report that was duly endorsed is available from the WCC Democratic Services office.

For those of you interested in the Art-o-mat project, I'll have a meeting/workshop to announce in the next No. 8 Wire. Also in development is a project to print an on-going series of Wellington artist profiles as post-cards. We're using the format developed for the Visual Tourist booklet, and we'll soon begin inviting painters, dancers, film-makers, musicians, poets, and anyone else wearing a creative badge on the streets of Wellington. Thanks go to Arlo, Iva, Mark, Melissa, and Mel at WACT, for helping develop and drive this project.

And be sure to check out the New Zealand Affordable Art Show website to learn more about Wellington's next big creative event.

http://www.affordableart.co.nz/

Many thanks for all your input, participation, and contributions,
Eric

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Item 6.01
SHIFT INTO GEAR

SH_IFT is a project orientated arts trust that aims to support emerging and experimental artists through organising temporary exhibitions in sites and spaces around Wellington. The SH_IFT trust is calling for proposals for the August exhibition titled The Ouse Project, which will take place in a disused graphic design studio/office space in the central city. Artists are encouraged to make site-specific work that responds to the architecture and/or history of the space.

SH_IFT will be launching a website soon, which will have images of the space and more information on the SH_IFT project. We are interested in receiving proposals from a broad range of disciplines, such as performance, installation, photography, sound, video, etc.

Please find attached a 'call for proposals' document which outlines the project and contains proposal guidelines. Please let me know if you would like more information, or if you have any questions about the project.

Many thanks and best wishes,
Danae Mossman

p: 0211372268
e: danae@shift.org.nz

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Item 6.02
CUTTING EDGE OF NEW MUSIC AT THE CITY GALLERY

I have attached a PDF file for Music 40 20 Computers at City Gallery Wellington, Saturday 26th June.
This event is part of the exhibition Telecom Prospect 2004: New Art New Zealand, which offers a ‘snapshot’ of the freshest, most innovative artwork currently being produced in New Zealand. The exhibition spans 4 Wellington venues including City Gallery Wellington, The Adam Art Gallery, The New Zealand Film Archive and Massey University. Music 4 20 Computers is a way for members of the public to get involved with Telecom Prospect 2004, as artist Sean Kerr will conduct and collaborate with the public and their computers to create an electronic musical feast from a modern-day orchestra!

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Item 6.03
EXHIBITION NEWS FROM LOCAL ARTIST ABBY WENDY:

Aotearoa is my home, opening night Tuesday 22nd June 6-10pm and daily thru to 2nd July 9.30 - 6pm

At Thistle Hall, 293 Cuba St

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Item 6.04
A DIALOGUE FROM LOCAL MUSIC IMPRESARIO JEFF HENDERSON:

Doctor: And how did you reach the moon?
Harlequin: Well . . . it was like this . . .

Louis Ducharte
The Italian Comedy

Clifford Barbaro, our drummer in residence for June (in associated with the NZIMCT and IAP), leaves at the end of the week. This is sad news as Clifford as brought a huge amount to the music community and to audiences around Wellington. However, we’re please to announce two major event involving Clifford at Happy.

This Thursday at 3pm we’re hosting a drumming workshop by Clifford. If you’re interested in drumming, a drummer, or just someone who beats too much, don’t miss this unique opportunity to learn from a modern master. The workshop is a paltry $5 entry.

And Friday Night we have SOLAR SYSTEM, Clifford’s final Wellington concert. See below for more details.
Also, you lucky creatures, we have programme details for BOMB THE SPACE 4. Send an email request to noel.m@win.co.nz for a complete run-down.

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Item 6.05
OPPORTUNITY FROM LOCAL ARTIST DHYANA BEAUMONT:

I am starting to set up a new studio in 181 Tasman St.

I will be splitting my space so the rent would be approx $50 plus GST.

The previous use of this space has been a computer orientated design studio with occasional “show nights”. So there is good potential for presenting your work there.

I am also having a sale of some of my studio materials, this includes wood for painting surfaces or assemblage, found objects for assemblage anywhere from bags of pawa (found abandoned on Makara beach) thru to tiles. This sale will be from Sat 26 June 9:30 - 2pm and Sun 27th June 10am 1pm. This will be located at 181 Tasman, Mt Cook; first floor; 3rd door on the right.

I can be contacted at work: 9202 693, the studio: 973 1210, or just email me dhyanabeaumont@yahoo.com

please let anyone else know if they need a studio space. thanks
Dhyana

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Item 6.06
NEWS FROM THE WELLINGOTN IMPROV TROUPE
Secret Origin of Improv
Sunday 27 June 7pm, Illott Theatre: WIT presents one action hero-packed night of super improv comedy, directed by international legend Keith Johnstone. Watch! - as the inventor of Theatresports turns kiwi comics into genius! Gasp! - as he swoops down and makes stories out of thin air! Laugh! - 'til you cry!

Songs, scenes & sketches will be made up on the spot for one night only. Don't miss this chance to see Keith Johnstone appear on stage for the first time down under.

Book early, or take your chances on the door! Groups of six get a super discount.
When: 7pm, Sunday 27 June.
Where: Illott Theatre, Wellington Town Hall.
Bookings: Ticketek (4) 384 3840, or door sales on the night. Booking fee may apply.
How much: $18 (Full)/ $12 (Group of 6/Concession)/ $10 (Child).
How long: This is an 80 minute show.
Website: Visit wit.org.nz to read more about The Wellington Improvisation Troupe, including upcoming shows and details of courses to learn improvisation.

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Item 6.07
NEWS FROM PHOTOSPACE

Hi from James at Photospace
The Andy Morley-Hall and John Williams shows are running at Photospace gallery (not Wgtn City Gallery!) until July 12. See www.photospace.co.nz/expo083.htm and also agent Lisa Alway's Exposed website www.exposed.co.nz where you can see other examples of John's and Andy's work, as well as the other photographers in the Exposed group.

Floortalk: Andy Morley Hall will be giving a floortalk on his exhibition and street photography in general on Saturday July 3rd, 1pm. It's free, just show up.

$1000 prize is on offer at the DayOut website, in a photo competition involving pictures of NZ's tourist attractions and other special places. Although the competition really kicks off in September, you can submit photos now if you want. Please go to www.photospace.co.nz/photocomp.htm for competition conditions, and the link to send the photos to.

Thanx,
James
James Gilberd
Photospace studio/gallery
1st floor, 37 Courtenay Place
Wellington, New Zealand
(postal address: as above)
ph/fax: 64-4-382 9502
cell: 027 444 3899
Gallery hours: 10-4.30 Monday-Friday
11-3 Saturdays, closed public holidays
www.photospace.co.nz

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Item 6.08
WORD FROM THE ARTBOX

A.D. Schierning: Starving Artists Fund
20th June – 3rd July 2004 Manners Mall, Wellington

If you have not encountered our heroine, FoxRox, previously within Schierning's work, then introductions may be necessary…

“FoxRox is a female superhero, an iconographic and imaginary figure borne out of frustration. She is my vent, and the only means I have to fight against the forces of evil at work within the art world and the world at large. Her arch rival, The Greed Goblin is the bad guy, a faceless and uncharismatic character. The Greed Goblin puts an end to existing conspiracy theories, because it was all him, he is to blame for absolutely everything that ever went wrong.”

A.D. Schierning invites us into the world of the comic book, pitting superhero against villain in a scenario complete with all the inherent dangers of the ‘Mall’ and the evils of the greater world. The scene is set with a miniature version of the surrounding busking site, and from this enclosure, a FoxRox figure enacts the anticipation of the artist waiting for donations to the Starving Artist Fund. You may even be lucky enough to be delighted by our busking heroine in the flesh during the weekend 26/27th June.

A.D. Schierning is currently based in Auckland and has shown in many of the New Zealand artist-run spaces and public galleries, as well as overseas. Her work ranges across pop media forms such as music videos, comic books and leather jackets.

More details and images online: www.artbox.org.nz/starvingartistsfund.html

The Art box Project Trust appreciates funding from Creative NZ and the Wellington Creative Communities scheme

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Item 6.08
NEWS FROM ENJOY GALLERY

FLOORED is a two-part installation project in the Length series. The first part of the project is in the hallway and foyer from 17 February to 19 June, the second part opens in the gallery at 6pm Tuesday 22 June and runs until 3 July.

FLOORED deals with the passage of time and the physical evidence that indicates both this passing of time and the passing of people. Underlying this record of time are ideas that are common to Katja Fabig's practice; the exploration of the boundaries between the tradition of painting and making contemporary imagery, and the boundaries between craft and fine art. Fabig is especially interested in expanding the physical experience of painting for the viewer, she does this with FLOORED by directly involving the gallery visitor in the making of the work.

For the first part of the installation Katja Fabig and James Keene have installed a new floor in the entrance hallway and foyer of Enjoy. The new 5mm thick floor is laid over the top of the existing one (this in itself evokes thoughts of the building up of time and history). For the finish of the floor Fabig draws on traditions of trompe l'oeil painting and craft by using a D.I.Y. kit-set from the hardware store to convincingly render the wood grain in acrylic paint.

The function of the hallway and foyer as a thoroughfare into the gallery, means the viewer must walk on the work and as a result is made a participant and contributor. The floor will remain in place for several months, over this time the painted grain will show signs of wear from the passage of visitors.

To complete the project the panels will be lifted, taken into the gallery and hung on the wall. This simple relocation returns the work to the status of painting. Visitors to the gallery will then have the chance to contemplate the pattern of wear created by those tramping in and out of the gallery. The shift in status from flooring in a passageway, to a painting on a gallery wall asks the participant/viewer to consider the effect of location on status and question notions of authorship, tradition and value in art making.

On Wednesday June 23 GOLDEN AXE, who have an exhibition at Enjoy later in the year, will be performing at HAPPY
To find out more about other upcoming events in Wellington visit the HAPPY website at happy.net.nz
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Item 6.09
SMOKELESS AT TE WHAEA

Smokefree Arts Season of Intimate Space
The Smokefree Arts Season of Intimate Space, choreographed and performed by 2nd and 3rd year contemporary dance students from the New Zealand School of Dance, continues the tradition of presenting innovative, dynamic works by fresh new talent. It encompasses two separate works – one based on the expressive works of French sculptor, Auguste Rodin, and the other inspired by Colin McCahon. Set to a new score composed by Stephen Gallagher and Micka, along with daring lighting and stage design, the Smokefree Arts Season of Intimate Space promises to be a unique sensory experience, guaranteed to excite and astound.

Preview:Friends of Te Whaea only 7.30pm, 21 June – with a talk from student choreographers
When: 8pm, 22 -26 June and 2pm, 26 June
Where: Te Whaea Theatre, 11 Hutchison Rd, Newtown, Wellington
Cost: $15 ($12 Friends of Te Whaea or Concession)
Book: 04 389 9056 (automated line)
Shifting
A twenty minute piece of devised theatre directed by Gene Peters as part of his technical project for the MTA (in Directing). Shifting plays with relationships as transient changing moments. How do you pack it away?

When: 8.30pm, 25-26 June and 7pm, 27 June
Where: The Garage, Te Whaea, 11 Hutchison Rd, Newtown, Wellington
Cost: $5 ($3 Friends of Te Whaea or Concession)
Book: 04 389 9056 (automated line)
Great Expectations
Great Expectations contains some of the most wonderful characters ever created and runs the gamut of emotions from unrequited love to remorseless betrayal. Simon Phillips, Director of the Melbourne Theatre Company and Toi Whakaari alumni, has adapted Dickens' masterpiece into a stage production boasting more than 150 speaking parts, which will all be played by 18 second year actors, directed by Miranda Harcourt and Tom McCrory. A deft mix of comedy and tragedy, the play beautifully captures the terrors and joys of life.

Preview:Friends of Te Whaea only 7pm, 28 June – with a talk from the directors
When: 7.30pm, 29 June – 3 July
Where: Auahi Kore Drama Studio, Te Whaea, 11 Hutchison Rd, Newtown, Wellington
Cost: $15 ($10 Friends of Te Whaea or Concession)
Book: 04 389 9056 (automated line)
Informal Showing
Every year the New Zealand School of Dance presents a series of informal studio performances. This is a great opportunity for you to experience up close and personal works in progress by the School’s classical and contemporary dance students.

When: 6pm–7pm, Thursday 1 July
Where: Smokefree Dance Studio One, Te Whaea, 11 Hutchison Rd, Newtown
Cost: Gold coin donation
Book: no bookings necessary - just turn up on the night
Mad Pride
A community show directed by MTA student Kate Tarrant. The show is performed by and for the mental health community in the Hutt Valley and celebrates identity and madness.

When: 7pm, 2 July
Where: Lower Hutt Little Theatre
Cost: Gold coin donation (mental health consumers free)
Book: no bookings necessary - just turn up on the night
Friends of Te Whaea
You can become a Friend of Te Whaea for just $25 annually. Even if you choose not to take up this offer you will continue to receive the Te Whaea News Email. Once you subscribe to the Friends programme you get access to:

* Free preview performances, special Friends performances and unique insights and networking opportunities
* The first Te Whaea powhiri of the year, where you will meet guests and the Te Whaea family
* Nola Millar Library 20% membership discount (only $40 per year)
* Lots more
Through the Friends of Te Whaea, you will help talented young actors and dancers become the best they can be. To become a Friend hit ‘reply’ and we’ll send you all the information you need.

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Item 6.10
NEWS FROM COLOURFUL CONNECTIONS

Hello again
We had another great multinational meeting of artists last night with a friendly introduction exercise from Guada, and valuable insights into drawing from Thayer. It was great to welcome Sarvat, a maker of beautifully costumed dolls, originally from Iran, and Tetyana from the Ukraine who showed us two stunning examples of her 'Marushka' nested dolls. The meeting room at Capital E is proving to be a friendly space which is easy to find (between the Michael Fowler Centre and the City Gallery) in Civic Square.

A reminder to all that our next meeting is on June 30, 7.30pm at Capital E. Guada will be leading a fun visualisation exercise which will involve colour and creative expression on paper to discover a bit more about ourselves and each other. This exercise will also feed into themes for our group exhibition which will be staged early next year.

If you are keen to attend on June 30, bring your favourite colour materials (e.g. pastels, crayons, pens, paint); we will provide paper and guidance. I will also bring tea and coffee and it would be helpful if you could bring your own cup!

Looking forward to seeing you all,
Lucy
lucy.moore@xtra.co.nz

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Item 6.11
ORIENTAL BAY SEASCAPE

Local artists and residents are invited to a small gaterhing to launch our new mural, the Oriental Bay Seascape Mural, which was commissioned in partnership with the Department of Conservation. Main artist, Ellen Coup, designed the extensive backdrop mural, an undersea scene falnked by rocky and sandy shores, and four other local painted desigend the cut-out illustrations that now adorn the wall: Amy Brenan, Manuela Adreani, Ben Walden, and Mica Still. The launch party will begin at noon this Friday, with a small reception to follow at the Orietnal Bay Rotunda. Thanks to all our artists, our team of scientists, and DOC for making it happen.

 
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