Friday, July 30, 2004

The No.8 Wire - Issue 10

An Electronic Alert for 378 of Wellington's Creative People


WHAT IF...

If you wish to be removed from this email list, please send a message to arts@wcc.govt.nz

If you know someone who might want to be added, please send a message and email address to arts@wcc.govt.nz

If you have contents, events, opportunities, or comments to contribute to the No. 8 Wire, please send complete details to arts@wcc.govt.nz

If you want to find signs of a creative city, just continue reading...

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10.00
ART WITH A SPLASH

The annual Artsplash, Wellington's Young People's Arts Festival, kicks off on Monday at the Michael Fowler Centre. The stage will see 10,000 local kids expressing themselves through dance, orchestra, choir, kapa haka, and everything in between. From Tuesday (through August 3-12) the Artsplash Exhibition, featuring over 1,000 works of art, will be on view in Shed 11. George Bernard Shaw might have famously remarked that "Youth is wasted on the young," but creativity certainly isn't. The Artsplash Festival proves that.

Readers of the No.8 Wire can download the complete brochure at
www.feelinggreat.co.nz/kids/index.php
Or read the press release at
http://www.bigidea.co.nz/article.php?sid=2188&mode=thread&order=0
Contact Eric (385-1929 or arts@wcc.govt.nz) if interested in sneaking into a rehearsal, concert, workshop, or showcase.

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10.01
ART GETS ON THE BUS

An interesting new project has come up, involving original art, a local shuttle bus, and the Interisland Line. The result is a unique opportunity for a local illustrator or artist. Here's the skinny…

Interisland Line has developed a few concepts for artwork to be applied all over its shuttle bus. They have asked me to invite/seek artists who might be interested in looking at the brief and working up a design for consideration. The original illustrations will be reproduced/blown up to vinyl decals then applied to the exterior of the bus on September 18. The selected artist will need to have finished illustrations (on paper) by August 23. There is a healthy commission and materials will be provided.

Interested? Contact Eric (arts@wcc.govt.nz or 385-1929) to learn how to put your design at the front of the bus.   

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10.02
CINEMA, MUSIC, COMEDIC GENIUS

Dear No.8 Wire,
 
We still have a good number of seats available for our Live Cinema screening of Buster Keaton¹s spectacular comedy, Steamboat Bill Jr., at the Embassy this Sunday at 2.00 and 6.15 pm.

 
Timothy Brock, the leading American composer of silent film scores, will conduct the NGC Wellington Sinfonia¹s performance of his terrific original music for Steamboat Bill and the classic Keaton short One Week.  A packed Civic roared their approval of the Auckland Philharmonia performance (not to mention the Keaton film) last Sunday.

 
We¹re keen to ensure a similar experience in Wellington - and to end the Festival with a bang. Take advantage of our No.8 Wire offer and purchase full-price tickets for $20 (previously $35) and children¹s tickets for $10 (previously $15) by mentioning the "Arts Partners" price when making your bookings with Ticketek or any Film Festival venue.
 
With best wishes
Bill Gosden
Director, Telecom 33rd Wellington Film Festival
www.nzff.telecom.co.nz

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10.03
POET IN THE GARDEN
http://www.wellington.govt.nz/news/display-item.php?id=1916

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10.04
SEASCAPE COMES TO THE SURFACE

Thanks to Ellen, Ben, Mica, Manuela, Aaron and Amy for bringing this creative project to life. DOC and Wellington City Council are grateful to everyone who helped turn a ramshackle wall into a bright and shining seascape. See the following websites for details, or just amble over to the Freyberg end of the Oriental parade footpath. A wee bit more is attached below...

http://www.feelinggreat.co.nz/arts/detail_events.php?ev_ids[]=5445
http://www.doc.govt.nz/Whats-New/presult.asp?prID=1501

ORIENTAL BAY SEASCAPE MURAL
Our Marine Life - Let's Protect It

This mural project was produced in autumn 2004, by the Department of Conservation and Wellington City Council. It was created by lead mural artist, Ellen Coup, and a team of dedicated illustrators: Manuela Adreani, Amy Brennan, Aaron Frater, Mica Still and Ben Walden. Original concept and project management was provided by Eric Vaughn Holowacz, WCC Community Arts Coordinator.

The species depicted on this mural reflect those found in our harbour. Our vision is to use public art to raise awareness of the local marine environment, and to stress the need to preserve and protect this habitat through individual and collective actions.

The Wellington harbour marine environment is subject to a number of threats, mostly brought about by human activities and pollution. As a result, the water quality in the harbour is reduced, and the vital habitat for many marine organisms is compromised.  Examples of pollution include general rubbish, sewage effluent, storm water (which carries heavy metals and other contaminants from roads), industrial and agricultural activities, and sedimentation from construction works. Other factors include deforestation or river works, oil and fuel spills from boats, and excessive noise by vessel traffic.  Growing problems in our marine environment include the risk of boat strike on dolphins or whales, coastal development (which destroys important habitats and contributes to a reduction in water quality), and invasion by exotic organisms, such as the noxious weed Undaria. We hope this mural will provide a source of education and inspiration, and a better awareness for the life under Wellington’s waters.

Scientific research and consultation has been provided by DOC, Te Papa, NIWA and Victoria University. Underwater photography and resources were kindly donated by Rob and Lynn Marshall. This community art mural was also made possible by our corporate sponsors: International Panel and Lumber, Resene Paints, Concrete Solutions, Benchmark Building Supplies, Ramset. All woodwork was kindly provided by sponsor Patrick King of Cut to Size.

This mural has been made by the community, for the community.

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10.05
GET IT WRITE

Applications are invited for Victoria University 2005 Writer in Residence, supported by Victoria University of Wellington and Creative New Zealand. It is open to writers in all areas of literary and creative activity, including drama, fiction and poetry, New Zealand art, biography, history, film, theatre, new media etc. Applicants should be authors of proven merit normally resident in New Zealand, or New Zealanders currently resident overseas. The successful applicant will take up residence in the International Institute of Modern Letters from 1 February 2005 to 31 January 2006. For further information visitwww.jobs@vuw.ac.nzor contact the HR Officer, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, tel 04 463 5840 or email hss-appoint@vuw.ac.nz, quoting reference no. HS-435. Applications close 31 August 2004.

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10.06
DRIVE BY ART IS IN THE AIR

Thanks to all the artists, teachers, and creative students who helped us fill Wellington's urban streetscape with bold original art. Drive by Art continues with several dozen new school banners along Oriental Parade, designed around an environmental theme for Conservation Week 2004. In addition, over 50 banners by local artists and arts groups have been installed above key streets in and around the city. Good news has also come to this modest public art project: Drive by Art has won the CNZ Creative Places Award in the Arts Provision category.

To honour everyone involved, we're planning a little party for 5:30pm on Thursday, August 19 at the City Gallery. Mark your calendar and join us, and check out these websites for more project information

http://wcc.govt.nz/news/display-item.php?id=1908

http://www.feelinggreat.co.nz

We've begun developing a profile section for all the Drive by Art banners.

http://www.feelinggreat.co.nz/events/detail_events.php?ev_ids%5B%5D=5385

We'd like to include details on the schools and artists who've created banners, as a way to promote your work and creative identity. If you have a banner flying over Wellington, please send us any or all of the following: biographical sketch, statement about your work, studio and contact details, your website, and anything else you would like included on the banner link. 

The city, and the streetscape, thank you.

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10.07
WELLINGTON LOVES TO JAZZ IT UP

Montana 8th
Wellington International Jazz Festival: 15th to 30th October, 2004
Now in our eighth year, we are proud to be presenting one of the most varied and exciting music festivals in New Zealand.

FEATURING
Dave Liebman with Ronan Guilfoyle Trio, Leila Adu, Anthony Donaldon Village Idiots, Carlos Actis Dato Quartet and many more great international and NZ artists.

Montana 8th Wellington International Jazz Festival:
www.jazzfestival.co.nz
info@jazzfestival.co.nz

Tel 64 4 385 9602
Fax 64 4 385 3987
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10.08
WILDLY CREATIVE

On Saturday 18 September, Karori Wildlife Sanctuary will be having a Spring Sketchings day. The enchanting sanctuary will be in Spring Mode, and this event will foster inspiration for drawing, painting or photography. Organisers are looking for artists and creative people who can offer workshops on-site during the day, and they are open to all suggestions. Rachael Dippie is the contact there.

And things get even more wildly creative at the Wellington Botanic Garden:

Tuesday 21 September is Poets Day and poet in residence, Dinah Hawken, will be leading the charge for that day.

Saturday 25 and Sunday 26 September is Tulip Weekend and a perfect opportunity for photography, painting, and sketching.

Saturday 2 October is the Tree Climbing competition - and many an interesting photo op!

Sunday 3 October will be the final hurrah with the Picnic in the Dell, kite making and flying and more activities yet to be confirmed.

Creative people interested in contributing to the Parks & gardens events and programming, should contact Amanda:

Amanda White
Visitor Services and Events Co-ordinator
Parks & Gardens
Phone: 04 472 5684
Mobile: 027 444 3753
Fax: 04 499 1903

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10.09
MR USSHER SAYS

My new exhibition opens this coming weekend on Saturday 31st July 2004. WOODEN SPOON CLUB is the second exhibition in a series of works exploring the domestic and social roles of Women in New Zealand during the 1950's.

There are 12 works in the show and all the works are painted onto the surface of old ironing boards. Nine are on standard size ironing boards, and new for this exhibition are three small accessory boards which were designed to clip onto the ironing boards for pressing sleeves - they apparently made it easier for housewives to iron their husbands shirts. You can see a sneak preview of 6 of the works on mywww.MrUssher.comwebsite. Pictures of the remaining 6 including "Queen Bee' and "Who Will Do Your Washing?" will be added to the website next week after the opening.

The exhibition is being held in my central Wellington studio, the address is Studio 4, Level 1, Anvil house, 138 Wakefield Street and the show opens at 6pm. Local jazz band TWINSET will be playing live and refreshments will be provided, there will be also be crates of Foxton Fizz due to popular demand after my last exhibition opening.

All the works in WOODEN SPOON CLUB will be available for sale from the opening night onwards, if you are interested in getting one of the ironing boards and you can't make it to the opening night the show is on for 3 weeks and the hours are from 10am - 5.30pm every day except for Monday and Thursday. The last show sold out quickly so if you are keen on getting an ironing board come along early on Saturday.

If you have any queries about the show or other questions please feel free to send me an email or give me a call, i will be in the studio doing housework all this week...

Mr Ussher

Studio Ph. 04 473 3141
Mobile Ph. 021 646 801

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10.10
WATERFRONT FUN

Waitangi Park Mural Wall Project seeks contributors
 
The Waitangi Park Mural Wall project will create a 180m long wall around the construction areas of the Waitangi Park redevelopment (formerly Chaffers Park).

The wall has been prepared to look like a strip of film, and most of the frames are being filled with creative images by schools from the Wellington Region. Look for the wall to go up, in back of Te Papa, next week.

There are some extra blank panels remaining, and local artists and cultural organisations are invited to make their own designs for what should become Wellington's longest continuous work of original art. The wall is made up of 80 1.8 x2.4m frames, and will remain around the construction site for 12-18 months.

Individuals or groups that would like to contribute should contact mural co-ordinator Mark O'Brien by email: monsta@xtra.co.nz or 04 9706667 or 0274 954596

The massive mural is sponsored by Positively Wellington Waterfront, and Dulux NZ, with project development and support from Wellington City Council's Community Arts Programme.

There's more information about the schools project at
http://www.feelinggreat.co.nz/arts/detail_events.php?ev_ids[]=5527
http://www.wellingtonwaterfront.co.nz/article.aspx?ArticleID=752
http://www.monsta.co.nz/index.cfm?id=12

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10.11
DOWNSIZING AT ROAR! GALLERY

Whoever said size doesn’t matter got it all wrong!
Let the artists run wild and experiment with subject matter and medium...but beware of those who stray from the bounds of 15 cubed! Believe us, size does matter!

In the upcoming group exhibition Tiny but Lively, at Roar! gallery proves that size is in fact of the utmost importance. Medium and subject matter are chosen at the artists discretion, however Roar! is challenging those willing to produce both 2D or 3D works which can and must not break out of the confines of 15x15x15cm. The results will no doubt be…tiny!

The exhibition, which runs from the 12-29th of August 2004. Sounds like a wee bit of fun. Get the long and short of it: Call Roar Gallery on 385-7602 or stop by 22 Vivian Street to size it up.  

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10.12
CAPITAL E OnTV ACTION DAY

The purpose of the Capital E OnTV Action Day is to give children an insight into the world behind the television screen. It is designed for children to have a hands-on learning experience using creative technology and to inspire them for their own future.

Capital E has a unique focus: Unique in Wellington for its child-centred focus, and unique in New Zealand for its creative perspective. It is a charitable trust that inspires, exemplifies, unlocks doors and opens grand vistas of opportunity for children. Capital E programmes explore and enhance creative thinking and action. We provide both the awareness of possibilities, and the means to make them reality for children taking part through our range of programmes:

OnTV – New Zealand’s only fully equipped television studio for schools and holiday programme groups to have hands-on experience in television production. Our facility includes a soundproofed control gallery with vision and sound mixing, an inspiring wardrobe and make up room and a large adjoining classroom.

Soundhouse NZ  - a world class music and multi media production suite in which young people can discover the exciting possibilities of combining music with technology.

National Theatre for Children – a dynamic theatre company that performs professional productions for young people in venues all over the country, including Capital E’s own MacKenzie Theatre.

The Capital E OnTV Action Day, is a free event that will be held on 7th August 2004, from 10am-4pm. We will be encouraging children, their families, and communities to visit Capital E to be involved in the following activities:

·       Learn about drawing animation

·       View some of the Lord of the Rigs props up close

·       See how  dolly tracks work and talk with a professional Grip

·       See Television/Film make-up artists create their stuff and give everyone a go

·       Experience blue-screening in Capital E’s Ontv studio where children can go on screen in front of the camera

·       Be part of a voice recording session – a chance to be part of a film for the Capital E National Arts Festival 2005

·       Watch a  Director of Photography in action and see the magic of lighting effects

·       View films for children either produced by children and/or adults


Children will be offered the opportunity for future creative workshops and the chance to be involved in an animation film that will be launched at the Capital E National Arts Festival in March 2005 (a festival for young people and their families).

For details, see
http://www.capitale.org.nz/
http://www.capitale.org.nz/whats_on/exhibitions_events/ONTV%20Action%20Day.htm
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10.13
LET'S SET THE DATE

The Date Palm Film Festival 2004 (formerly the Middle Eastern Film Festival), will be hot on the heels of the Telecom New Zealand Film Festival 2004. Scheduled dates are as follows:

Wellington 2-8 September at The Paramount
Christchurch 9-15 September at The Regency on Worcester
Auckland 16-21 September at The Capitol

Audiences will have their first chance to see some of the best and latest films to come out of the region, with a film festival focused entirely on the Middle East and North Africa. Bringing you six feature, three documentary and two short films rarely seen in the southern hemisphere.

We have comedy, classic, romance, social, gay and political films, details will be available late July.

Festival details will be on our website late July
www.meff.org.nz

Best wishes from the team at the Date Palm
Nadra
Festival Director, Date Palm Film Festival
P.O Box 11-494
Wellington, New Zealand
Tel 04-236 0100 / 025 285 1194
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10.14
FILM EXPORT

Sima Urale, an award-winning writer and director, has been awarded the inaugural $40,000 Fulbright-Creative New Zealand Pacific Writers’ Residency at the University of Hawaii.

The Wellington filmmaker, who was born in Samoa in 1967 before immigrating with her family to New Zealand in 1974, will take up the three-month residency in August. She will work on the script for a feature-length film entitled Moana, which explores traditional stories of Polynesian myths and legends within a contemporary urban setting.

“I’ve written the first draft of the script but the residency will give me the time I need to do further research and really focus on my writing and what I want the film to say,” Urale says. “I’m wanting to say several things but I need to define the one thread that matters above all else.

“I’m also looking forward to using the archival resources at the University of Hawaii and meeting with other Pacific writers and filmmakers.”

The residency, based at the University’s Centre for Pacific Studies, is a partnership between Creative New Zealand, Fulbright New Zealand and the University of Hawaii.

Actor Cliff Curtis, who first met Urale when they were fellow acting students at Toi Whakaari New Zealand Drama School, describes her as “New Zealand’s most exciting talent in film”.

Urale graduated from Toi Whakaari in 1989 and after two years as a professional actor, she decided to pursue her ambitions as a director. In 1994, she graduated with a bachelors degree in arts, film and television at the Victorian College of the Arts in Melbourne.

“I love theatre but I knew I’d have to choose film and television if I wanted to express the stories and opinions that I think are relevant to society,” she says. “The awesome thing about film is that it can travel to the other side of the world and it has a long life. Rather than make the audience come to me I decided to go to the audience with film and television.”

In 1996, she wrote and directed a 15-minute film, O Tamaiti. This film, funded by the New Zealand Film Commission, went on to win eight international awards, including Best Short Film at Venice, Asia-Pacific, Chicago, Aspen and Newport Beach film festivals, as well as the New Zealand Film and Television Awards.

A year later, she directed the documentary Velvet Dreams for Television New Zealand’s Work of Art series and it went on to win Best Documentary Award at the Yorkton International Film Festival in Canada.

Another of her films, Still Life, is about an elderly couple and won Best Short Film at the 2001 Montreal Film Festival. It also won Best Director, Best Script, and Best Art Department at the Drifting Clouds International Film Festival. Urale credits her success in film to determination and dealing with social issues close to her heart. “I always strive to make a film that says what I want it to say. If I didn’t have anything to say, I wouldn’t make films.”

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10.15
POETRY AND MUSIC FUSION

Tuwhare words to be set to music
 
Kaka Point wordsmith Hone Tuwhare, who recently had his poetry immortalised in a steel sculpture, is to have his work put to music.

Arts funder Toi Maori has invited Wellington-based musician Charlotte Yates to produce a compilation album of Tuwhare's poems set to contemporary original music written by some of the country's leading recording artists.

It is the second such project for Yates, who previously producedBaxter , a compilation of poetry by James K. Baxter set to music in 2000. The Tuwhare CD is timed for release in August next year.

Toi Maori chairman Waana Davis said Tuwhare was a living treasure and the organisation, a Creative New Zealand-sponsored charitable trust, was privileged to be honouring him with the CD.

Last week, a new sculpture by local artist Philippa Wilson featuring the words of a Tuwhare poem was unveiled at the University of Otago.

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10.16
STATE OF GRACE

Black Grace Dance Company will make its debut in the United States at the Jacobs Pillow Dance Festival situated in the Berkshire Mountains, Massachusetts, from 12 to 15 August.

Black Grace, invited to perform at what dancers and choreographers regard as the “Olympics” of dance, will perform alongside such dance luminaries as Mark Morris, Paul Taylor Dance Company (United States), Batsheva Dance Company (Israel), Nacho Duato (Spain), Shen Wei Dance Arts (United States) and the Boston Ballet (United States) - to name a few.

“Jacob’s Pillow Dance Festival attracts the world’s leading dance producers and programmers and is the perfect international platform to launch the company to the vast United States market,” says Ian Scobie, Director, Arts Projects Australia and international representative to Black Grace.

“For international audiences, Black Grace represents a true discovery. Vital, original and exciting.”
Founded in 1933 by visionary dancer, educator and choreographer Ted Shawn, Jacob’s Pillow is the longest-running dance festival in the United States and celebrates its 72nd festival in 2004. Since its inception “the Pillow”, as it is affectionately known, has provided pivotal exposure for many of the world’s great dance companies and dancers.

Ella Baff, the festival’s Executive Director, says she’s delighted to be giving Black Grace their United States debut. “They are quite wonderful, different from any other work I’ve seen, and I hope they have great success here at the Pillow and elsewhere. Major press has taken an interest in Black Grace even before they have arrived. A large photo recently appeared in a coveted spot of The New York Times.”

Black Grace performance repertoire will feature the work of choreographer Neil Ieremia, including his well-known works “Minoi”, “Method” and the witty and vibrant “Human Language”, performed with guest female dancers. Other highlights will be the powerful “Ulutao” - an excerpt from Neil Ieremia’s critically acclaimed full length-work “Surface” and a special preview of Ieremia’s new major work in progress, “Objects”.

“I learnt about Jacob’s Pillow and the great pioneers of American modern dance many years ago while I was at dance school,” Neil Ieremia says. “To this day, I still consider myself a student of dance and am honoured and humbled at the prospect of taking my company and my work there.

“Although I’m in awe of the numerous dance luminaries, the rich history and involvement they have had with Jacob’s Pillow, I hope that they will not only see and remember this small New Zealand company dancing before them but will also feel a nation of people with great pride in who we are, our land, our sea and our sky.

“When I dance I never dance alone. Behind me stand generations of mana, perseverance and love. These are my people. They are my reasons.”

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10.17
ART WORLD UP FOR GRABS

http://www.downstage.co.nz/shows/shows_up_for_grabs.asp

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10.18
OBSERVE IT, CONSERVE IT, OR LOSE IT

Conservation Week 2004,  2 - 8 August
Conservation needs You!  Kia mau ki te k? ukauka e k?ingo nei
(Apply the tools of conservation to that which longs to be sustained forever)


A Global Eye on conservation

Art inspired by conservation and reflectingdifferent ethnicities and culturesis on show in Turnbull House in Wellington during Conservation Week from August 2-8. TheGlobal Eye exhibition features the work of 11 Wellington artists from varying ethnicities who havepresented their thoughts and feelings on conservation and the environment in an alternative form, weaving together art and science. Over the week the public will be asked to vote for their art work of choice. At the end of the exhibition, the artist who has accrued the most votes will be offered a week’s creative residency on Matiu Somes Island.

The exhibition highlights this year’s Conservation Week themeConservation with Communities, celebrating the contribution many individuals and groups make to looking after and restoring our environment.

“We want to celebrate the ethnic diversity of Wellington and through art seek to understand the variety of cultural perspectives on conservation and the environment, DOC community relations programme manager Dairne Poole said. “This exhibition also aims to bring together the art and science sectors of the community, thereby fostering wider accessibility to conservation.”

Leila Adam, a Muslim, conveys the touch of perfection that the bush brings to our “imperfect human lives” by depicting the symmetrical form of the black tree fern through Islamic art.

Yasmine El Orfi has drawn inspiration from the Bedouin and North African art to capture the line, pattern, colour and emotion of Wellington’s weather, hills, bush and coastline.

Kate E.P Lepper’s work, The Grass is always Greener expresses the statement:  “Do conservation and production need to be on opposite sides of the fence? The right balance of trees to pasture means more productivity not less,” she explains.

A weta cast in silver dancing on a dead possum is the scenario created by Kristelle Plimmer in a creation combining her love of “these fascinating creatures” (weta) with her passion for hot metal.

A fascination with collecting seeds from the New Zealand bush and watching them take root in seed trays inspired Mica Still’s contribution to the exhibition.“I have been here for six years and the roots have finally grasped onto the idea that I can grow here in New Zealand,” she says.

Sarak-Vone Sum has painted on a recycled woollen blanket to express how the “fire of destruction on all levels of existence can be fuelled through acts of ignorance and greed. The open weave of this canvas allows light and hope to filter through the smoke.”

Dreamer, by Simin Bazgeer who came to New Zealand four years ago from Iran, highlights how a good environment can bring “peace, relaxation, freedom and enjoyment of life”.

In her work, Dwyllis Maggs portrays the beauty of the open spaces surrounding New Zealanders and what would be lost if this was destroyed.

Protection of the seabed and foreshore is the focus of a contribution by Gail Higgs-West, whose Huguenot/Irish/Scottish ancestry “influences her understanding and helps her appreciate the relationship between humans and physical and ecological environments”.

Colombian artist Natalia K Parra Sierra’s Tres Facetas (Three Facets) explores the relationship between the human body and that of animals through textures and colours. 

Croatian Rada Bulich has used recycled materials to recreate the warm autumn colours from her homeland in her new environment.

 
Also on offer during Conservation Week in Wellington are open days at Matiu/Somes Island and the Catchpool Valley; displays at Wellington library, displays and lunchtime talks at the Wellington Anglican Cathedral, street banners along Oriental Parade featuring the artwork of students, and Te Papa NatureSpace discovery hour – an opportunity for children to learn how to care for a ti kouka / cabbage tree seedling. ENDS

For more information please contact Dairne Poole, Phone 04 472 5821

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10.19
TURNING JAPANESE, I REALLY THINK SO

Hutt Valley Community Arts proudly presents Yokoso! (= kia ora), a  Japanese cultural community event

We have created this event to celebrate the Japanese Community in the Hutt Valley and to enable them to present their cultural richness in an exciting programme.

We honour the sister city of The Hutt City in Japan: Minoh, and are working with the International Relations Co-ordinator at Hutt City Council, Mr. Brian Cross. We are also happy that the Hutt Minoh Friendship House Trust is supporting this community event.

Yokoso! will bring people together who want to learn about the Japanese culture, and aims to create a hands-on and participatory approach. We will have art on display, demonstrations and workshops, so please join us... 


Friday August 20, 5pm - 7pm: Opening party for sponsors, team & press

Saturday August 21, 11am - 6pm: Exhibition / Workshops and demonstrations/ Kids programme       

Sunday August 22, 11am - 5pm: Exhibition / Workshops and demonstrations/ Kids programme

Our event will coincide with the Japanese Festival in Wellington that takes place between August 16 – 21.

Exhibition

Gary Powell, an Asian antiques expert, will put together an impressive range of Japanese artefacts. This will include woodblock prints, fans, furniture and other gems of his and other people’s collections. Three Second Goldfish, the exquisite shop of Luisa Talbot will exhibit some fabulous kimono from her collection. The Hutt Minoh Friendship House will also provide some beautiful pieces to this exhibition.

Workshops

We are very happy to have made contact with so many people who will present their skills and share their passion for the Japanese culture. We will present a busy schedule of demonstrations and workshops. The definite schedule will be published a week prior to the event, but you can expect a range of authentic Japanese customs and crafts. We present  bonsai, ikebana (=flower arranging), kimono dressing, chado (= tea ceremony), calligraphy, origami and netsuke carving. Sue Lytollis from the New Zealand Kendo Federation has kindly helped us to present the finest of martial arts like judo, aikido, kendo & kyudo (= archery). Joe Okada will also bring some of his Japanese language students to teach us to speak some basic Japanese words.

Kids programme

The Hutt Art House have just moved into the same building. HVCA says Yokoso! to our new neighbour and we are very happy to include them in this Japanese community event. Young kids, teens, you are all welcome to visit us and learn about dragons, kites, origami and comics.


For information, ideas for features & interviews call Sacha: 0210-444294 or HVCA 5683488

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10.20
COLOURFUL CREATIVE CAPITAL

To all Colourful Connections members and interested parties: we need your ideas, your contacts and your artwork! In conjunction with Wellington City Council we are planningColourful Capital, a celebration of ethnic art and cultural creativity in Wellington. This exhibition is to be held around Race Relations, March 2005, and this Wednesday's meeting of Colourful Connections will be used as a focus group to determine final themes and parameters for the selection of artworks. So - if you would like to have a say in designing a major visual arts event which affects YOU, come along to Capital E this Wednesday, July 28, at 7.30-9.30pm. Enquiries to Lucy Moore, 388 5910.

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10.21
CALLING ALL MAORI AND PACIFIC PLAYWRIGHTS

Playmarket and Auckland City Council are offering four new and existing Maori and Pacific Island writers the opportunity to create and develop their new plays as part of their upcoming Pasifika Playwrights Development Forum Pasifika 2005 and AK05. They are open to anyone of Maori or Pacific Island descent. The four successful applicants will receive the support of a professional dramaturge (drama tutor) between 4 September 2004 and 5 March 2005. Two of the four will then receive a week-long workshop and public presentation of their draft as part of the Pasifika Playwrights Development Forum at Pasifika 2005, Auckland, 6-12 March. The other two will receive a reading of their draft as part of the Forum.

For further information on how to make submissions contact Dianna Fuemana, Auckland City Council (Dianna.Fuemana@aucklandcity.govt.nz) or Mark Amery, Playmarket (scripts@playmarket.org.nz) or ph. (04) 382 8462. Applications must be in writing to: Mark Amery, Pasifika Playwrights, Playmarket, PO Box 9767, Te Aro, Wellington, and are due before 5 p.m. Friday 3 September.

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10.22
THE INCUBATOR RETURNS

The word on the street, Cuba Street, is that the Incubator at Thistle Hall is the place for new performance-based art in Wellington. Anyone can attend this regular and informal showing of works-in-progress by local performing artists. Kind of like a performance cafe, The Incubator is a forum to explore new ideas and present fresh new work to you - the audience.

Come along to see what contemporary actors, musicians, dancers and writers are doing BEFORE they hit the big theatres! The next one is right around the corner...

1 August 2004 at 6:30pm at Thistle Hall, 293 Cuba Street. Admission by Koha/donation

Contact: Angela Green on 380 0349 or theincubator@paradise.net.nz
 
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10.23
BUSY SUNDAY AHEAD

A four-course meal of concerts on Sunday...

11:30am
Ole La La "Babes in Arms" Classical Music Concert
Capital E, Civic Square
Tickets and Information: 913-3720

2:30pm
Bachoir of Wellington Faure Requiem and Poulenc Gloria
St Mary of the Angels, Boulcott Street
Tickets: 384-3840
Information: 232-9961

3:00pm
Monsieur Satie – Gymnopedist!
The life and works of Erik Satie by Dan Poynton with Kate Mead, Kate Lineham, Roger Livingstone
Wellington Chamber Music Society - Sunday Concerts Series
Ilott Theatre
Tickets: 384 3840
 
Sunday, August 1 at 7:00pm
The Zaoui Benefit Concert
Opera House
Tickets: 384-3840
Information: 021 711 191
Email: mel@barbarian.co.nz

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10.24
YOGA ARTS

The Wellington Arts Centre, based under the Oriental Bay Rotunda, is home to three weekly yoga sessions. There's a Tuesday morning session (10am to 11:30am) with Anna Sandle; a Wednesday morning Kundalini Yoga session (9am to 10:15am) with Tamsyn Hunnewell; and a Thursday evening Hatha session (6pm to 7:30pm) with Sue Fuller. Discounts are offered for any interested local artists, performers, or creative people. Contact Eric on 385-1929 or arts@wcc.govt.nz

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10.25
DRAWING ON LIFE

The Rotunda/Arts Centre is also home to a casual weekly life drawing session, every Monday morning. There's a small fee for attending, and it's bring your own paper and supplies. Contact Heather on 382-9802 to find out more.

For a more guided approach, there's a tutored life drawing session with Garth Satterthwaite on Monday evenings, which usually runs with the school term.  If you are interested in drawing with a live model, guided by Garth, call 232-4444 to learn more.

The current Wellington Arts Centre is under the Fisherman's Table Restaurant, on the street level of the Oriental Bay Rotunda.

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10.26
CONTACT THE NO.8 WIRE

Send comments, questions, requests, etc
to

Eric Vaughn Holowacz
Community Arts Co-ordinator
Wellington City Council / Wellington Arts Centre
P. O. Box 2199
Wellington, New Zealand
04-385-1929 / 027-416-2190
Arts@wcc.govt.nz