The No.8 Wire - Issue 27

Gondwanaland Ministry of Culture
Artists' Information Bureau

************************************************************************
An Electronic Alert for 726 of Wellington's Creative People
Tail-end Octo-numerical Interview: IAN JORGENSEN


Culture, wrote the Spanish philosopher José Ortega y Gasset, is our answer to the challenges of life. It is the way we walk, and eat, and dance, and sing, and look, dress, dream and struggle, and furnish our homes, and greet others, and pray, remember, desire and love.


27.00
GO ASIA

Call for applications to artist residencies in Chine and India…

New Zealand writers, visual artists and craft/object artists are invited to apply for artist residencies in New Delhi and Beijing, offered by Creative New Zealand in partnership with the Asia New Zealand Foundation.

The three-month residencies are available at the Sanskriti Foundation of India’s Kendra campus on the outskirts of New Delhi and at Redgate Gallery in Beijing, China. The Arts Board of Creative New Zealand will cover the cost of accommodation and facilities, and provide artist stipends of $10,000 each while they are in residence. The Asia New Zealand Foundation will meet the cost of return airfares.

Both residencies are aimed at established artists who wish to pursue projects related to the location or the facilities of the host organisation. Priority will also be given to applicants who show an appreciation of the environment and culture of the residency’s country.

This is the second year that Creative New Zealand has offered the residencies. For Dunedin artist Simon Kaan, the recipient of last year’s Red Gate Gallery residency, the highlight was working alongside other artists and sharing ideas.

“It was just great to get feedback on my work in a more international context and to show the work in China,” he said. “In many ways, I think it has made me mature as an artist.”

Former Dunedin textile artist Kelly Thompson was the recipient of the residency at the Sanskriti Foundation of India.

Beijing’s Red Gate Gallery (www.redgategallery.com) has exhibited contemporary Chinese artists for 12 years. Its well-established residency programme offers studios and accommodation, and it also has access to the facilities of the Beijing Arts Academy. The residencies are available to a limited number of international writers, visual artists and craft/object artists.

The Sanskriti residency programme is offered by the Sanskriti Foundation of India (www.sanskritifoundation.org) to writers, visual artists and craft/object artists from India and throughout the world. The accommodation and facilities for this residency are based at the Sanskriti Foundation’s Kendra campus on the outskirts of New Delhi.

The deadline for applications for both residencies is 5pm, Friday 20 May 2005. Artists will be expected to take up the residency in Beijing between October and December 2005, and the residency in Delhi between September 2004 and April 2005.

For application forms and guidelines please contact an Assistant Arts Adviser on 498 0702 or assistant.arts@creativenz.govt.nz or click on the link below.

http://www.creativenz.govt.nz/resources/forms-guidelines/index.html

________________________________________________________________

27.01
COMMOTION

A Michael Parmenter Retrospective

In a career spanning 20 years, Michael Parmenter has created some of the most important choreographic statements in New Zealand dance. His athletic and musical style has thrilled audiences and helped to create a generation of New Zealand dancers.
Join us in a celebration of New Zealand contemporary dance as we gather together 18 of our finest dancers from within New Zealand, and returning from around the world, to reunite for a stunning programme of Parmenter’s most popular works.
Highlights include Parmenter’s most significant achievement, The Dark Forest, signature works Tantra and Fields of Jeopardy and the recent critically acclaimed Svedebka, set to Stravinsky’s thrilling Les Noces. Parmenter has structured Commotion as a rich emotional journey culminating in The Golden Builders, the sensational final movement of Jerusalem.
In Wellington for four nights only!

Westpac St James Theatre
Wednesday 16th – Saturday 19th March, 8pm
Tickets range from $11.50 - $46.50
Book at your local Ticketek office or
www.ticketek.co.nz

________________________________________________________________

27.02
THE BOMB
By Avangard and Pink Punk
Curated by Marcus Williams
March 8 – 18
Opening Celebration Tuesday 8 March 6pm
Artist Talk Wednesday 9 March 6pm
Avangard, pro-glam art band from Estonia, will organise 'social experiments', perform in the streets and make installations in their time in Wellington. They are also members of art collective Pink Punk. The two groups are currently exhibiting at the Gus Fisher gallery, Auckland, as part of the AK05 festival.
The Bomb is an ironic comment on the decades-long hysteria about nuclear threat and growing up in the shadow of imminent nuclear disaster. For a New Zealand audience, this will have the paradoxical quality of coming from other side of the 'Iron Curtain'. Curator Marcus Williams says:
“Nuclear war has been the ultimate, apocalyptic danger for so long; the public can't take it seriously anymore. The mushroom cloud is now more a cultural symbol, an icon. So why not make small 'souvenir' mushrooms that would look good in your living room or backyard?”
A Pink Punk performance called 'Fair Deal' will also be staged with Wellington's own Bek Coogan. This has so far been performed in the streets of New York City, Berlin, Chicago, Tallinn and Helsinki and examines women's role as pleasure accessory to the powerful players of business and politics.
Performance times
Tuesday 8 March 5pm – outside Enjoy Gallery
Wednesday 9 March midday - outside Parliament
Wednesday 9 March 5pm - outside Wellington railway station

Enjoy News
The Enjoy on-line discussion forum is now up and running. The forum is hoped to act as a venue for stimulating discussion relating to the visual arts. Go to the link off the Enjoy website homepage or from this link www.enjoy.org.nz/discuss
Register. Have your say. Spread the word! 
 
Enjoy Public Art Gallery
Level one, 174 Cuba Street
Wellington
 
P: 04 384 0174
E: enjoy@enjoy.org.nz
W: www.enjoy.org.nz
 
Enjoy facilitates contemporary art projects and is liberated from commercial constraints to actively promote critical dialogue.

______________________________________________________________________

27.03
COMEDY AIN’T UGLY

The Wellington Central Greens are presenting a one-off performance by the Ugly Shakespeare Company (produced by Green Party candidate Richard Green). Ugly Shakespeare is a 3-person comedy act of song, dance and drama in the tradition of the 'Complete works of William Shakespeare Abridged'. Join us for contemporary reinterpretations of the Shakespearean classics 'Merchant of Venice' and 'Othello' with a slapstick edge. You are guaranteed a hilarious night out. Special guest, Mike Ward, Green MP and spokesperson for Arts & Culture.

Bring a cushion if you might find 'church pew' seating a little rough!
Complimentary tea and coffee provided during the theatre interval.

Friday 11 March 2005
8pm sharp start at the Red Brick Hall (Lorne Street)

Pre-theatre drinks (cash bar) and nibbles from 6:30pm at the Green Rooms (1st floor, 16 Cambridge Tce)

Tickets must be pre-purchased: only $15 each!

Contact: Quentin Duthie
Work 381-4640
Home 475-8619
q@pleroma.org.nz

Pick up and pay at the Green Party Office (First Floor, 16 Cambridge Terrace), or book and post cheque to 'Theatre', P O Box 11-652, Wellington.

_______________________________________________________________________

27.04
POETIC MUSE

THE 3rd WELLINGTON INTERNATIONAL POETRY FESTIVAL
2-7 NOVEMBER, 2005

Poet and Wellington International Poetry Festival Director, Ron Riddell will be attending a number of international poetry festivals in 2005. Most imminently, he is participating in the Austin International Poetry Festival, U.S.A. (April 14-17); El Encuentro International de Poetas in El Salvador (May 14-20) and The International Poetry Festival of Havana, Cuba (May 24-29).

Riddell will not only participate as a guest poet at all of these three festivals but he will also hold discussions with a number of other international poetry festival directors on ways in which poetry festival dialogue and cooperation can be developed and strengthened.

In late April, 2005, Casa de Poesia in Los Angeles, U.S.A., will publish a new collection of poems by Ron Riddell entitled, Leaves of Light. This book will also feature selected pieces which have been translated into Spanish by W.I.P.F. Coordinator, Saray Torres.

On the April 29 there will be an official launch at The Colombian Consulate in Los Angeles, followed by performance events at selected venues in the city.

poetfest@paradise.net.nz
70 Wilkie Cres., Naenae, Wellington, New Zealand.
Telephone: 4-5771747 fax: 4-577 1748
poetfest@paradise.net.nz
www.poetryfestival.org.nz

_______________________________________________________________________

27.05
MAORI CREATIVE PUSH

Actor Cliff Curtis says the time is ripe for Maori to go further than the traditional asset-rich "three Fs - fishing, farming and forestry" - and take a punt on the creative industry.

Read full story at

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/index.cfm?c_id=1&ObjectID=10113239

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/index.cfm?c_id=1&ObjectID=10113110

_________________________________________________________________

27.06
About a Girl
Three Artists - One Model
new photographic and mixed-media works
by Maire Smith, Grant Buist, and Rachel Woolford

About a Girl is an exciting and unique exhibition made up of portraits of one model by three artists.

Maire Smith works in oil and other media on canvas – including an unusual combination of body paint, photography (with Kirsty O’Dowd), and oil painting – to create pictures that express her reactions to the model’s personality.

Grant Buist works with digitally enhanced photography to produce elegant, deceptively simple images reminiscent of the work of Aubrey Beardsley.

Rachel Woolford re-directs techniques she’s developed for still-life and nature photography to explore human form and character, producing sensitive works that explore the model's interaction with her environment.

The exhibition as a whole provides a fascinating illustration of how different artists can react to one source of inspiration, as well as recording the changes in the artists’ perceptions of the model over time as they have interacted with her in the second half of 2004 and early 2005.

Mezzo Gallery (first floor, Wellington Central Public Library)
Opening: 5 pm, Saturday 12 March 2005
Hours: 10–6 daily (closed Sundays), 14–31 March 2005

The exhibition is online at http://diaspora.gen.nz/AboutaGirl/
from 12 March, with previews available from 1 March.

For further information or to purchase any of the works, call +64 (0)21
152 2859 , or email the artists at aboutagirl@diaspora.gen.nz

________________________________________________________________

27.06
A CALL FOR HELP

Dear No.8 Wire,

My name is Richie and I am a volunteer at Trade Aid (Cuba St) who is organising a fundraising event on Thursday March 17th at the Epic Cafe (cnr Willis and Ghuznee).  The evening will feature musicians and dancers from all cultural backgrounds in an effort to put the fun into fundraising for the Tsunami appeal, in association with Red Cross NZ!
 
The reason I am contacting you is to let the different cultural groups in Wellington know about the evening and to ask any artists if they would like to perform.  We would like as much ethnic/musical variety as possible to create a space for diverse creative expression.  If any groups or organisations are interested in participating or simply would like to come along, the night will last from about 8pm to 12pm and the space can hold about 100 people.  It would be a great opportunity for new groups in particular to showcase their talent to the public.  Any contribution of time, love or energy would be greatly appreciated. It will be a fun night!
 
Please contact Richie Bryan on 385 8782 (home no.)for further info or on 385 4498 at Trade Aid.
 
Thanks in advance
Richie 
richiebryan@hotmail.com

__________________________________________________________________

27.07
A STAB AT BATS

STAB originated in 1995 from BATS’ desire to initiate a commission that allowed theatre artists to experiment in a supportive environment. The STAB commission is an essential part of the BATS annual programme and can be accessed by all performance media; dance, theatre, opera, music, film, magic and interactive media. STAB has grown over the last nine years to have a solid framework and process. The total commissioning amount for 2005 is $60,000.
The aim of STAB is:
To secure and provide a significant level of funding (the commission) to support the creation of cutting edge, revolutionary performance work.
To commission new New Zealand performance work.
To support this work from inception through a production process to presentation.
To present at least two productions in the STAB season annually.
To promote BATS as the most exciting, cutting edge theatre in New Zealand with its finger on the pulse.
To support a national community of innovative artists who strive to push boundaries in their performance work.

THE STAB COMMISSIONING PROCESS 2005
STAGE 1:      Expressions of Interest
Friday 18 March: A one-page form is filled out by interested parties by this date.
STAGE 2:      Short List Selection
Monday 21 – Thursday 24 March: BATS holds informal interviews with all those who have submitted expressions of interest.
Wednesday 29 March: Final selection of a small number of groups to further develop their concept.
Monday 25 – Wednesday 27 March : These groups present their concept and a detailed proposal containing budgets, personnel and marketing plans as well as creative content.
STAGE 3:      Commissioning
Late APRIL 2005: Two or more groups are commissioned to produce their STAB project.
STAGE 4:     Presentation
OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2005: STAB is presented/staged
STAGE 5:     Reporting
JANUARY 2006: Project reports and budgets submitted to Creative New Zealand detailing project strengths and challenges.
http://www.bats.co.nz/stab_05.htm

_________________________________________________________________

27.08
NOMINATE A YOUNG ARTS LEADER

Young Community Leaders Awards 2005: Recognising the contribution of young people working in the not-for-profit sector

CALL FOR NOMINATIONS
The Community Trust of Wellington is calling for nominations for its inaugural Young Community Leaders Awards. The awards recognise the achievements of young people working - in either a paid or voluntary capacity - in the not-for-profit sector at a governance level. They are intended to acknowledge a job well done and recognise the valuable contributions made by young people to their respective organisations, and as a result, to the community at large.

The awards will be presented at a special function at Government House in April 2005.
All finalists will be presented with certificates.
Cash awards of $1,000 each will be made to five winners announced at the function.

On the day of the awards function, the finalists will be invited to attend an afternoon programme of speakers and panel discussions led by well-known Wellingtonians experienced in the not-for-profit sector. The programme will give finalists an opportunity to network and add to their range of governance-related skills. It does not form part of the judging process and there will be no cost to the attendee or their organisation.

Criteria
The awards are designed to recognise commitment, contribution and ability from young people who have made a significant contribution to the life of their organisation. They will have demonstrated such qualities as loyalty, dedication, commitment, innovation and leadership.

The nominee must be:
under 25 years of age at 31 December 2005 and reside in the wider Wellington region, and
a member of the governing body (committee, board or executive) of a voluntary or community organisation.

Making a nomination
Individual members or officials may nominate a young person associated with their organisation or any other organisation. A person may nominate themselves.
Nominations must be received by 18 March 2005 on the official form (enclosed).
Send nominations to Young Community Leaders Awards, The Community Trust of Wellington, PO Box 23-266, Wellington.
Please make sure the nominee is aware of your nomination.
We will contact the nominee soon after the nominations close.

CLOSING DATE FOR NOMINATIONS
18 March 2005
http://www.comtrustwn.co.nz/home.htm


________________________________________________________________

27.09
CHILLIN’ IN NEWTOWN

Newtown Festival Chill out zone
The Studio
upstairs @146 Riddiford Street
Chillin sounds, comfy couches, and great art.
Open 10-5 daily 5th-10th March
paulforrest@paradise.net.nz
 
To view venue go to www.paulforrest.co.nz

____________________________________________________________________

27.10
BATS IS ON THE FRINGE

Kia ora koutou

It’s the final week of Fringe and we have six fantastic shows to see the festival out. Come check out Mmmdance, Uniform, Considering Rachel/A Stye of the Eye, Stamping Grounds, Drift and The World’s Tallest Tale!

BOOK NOW to avoid disappointment - to book for any performance at BATS simply reply to this email with your name, number of tickets and date you wish to attend. We will reply to confirm your booking and you can pay when you come to the show.

Coming up at BATS, Cabaret of the Unlikely, a Red Mole production opening on 8 March and Bedbound by Enda Walsh, directed by Tony McCaffrey opens on March 15.

X the BATS crew

Mmmdance
Season: Sunday 27 Feb – Tuesday 1 March at 6.30pm
Tickets: $15 full/$12 concession/$10 Fringe addict
Juliet Shelley (Wellington) & Bob Eisen (New York) perform in Mmmdance. Two experimental dancers living on opposite sides of the globe who have never clapped eyes on each other, join physical forces at BATS for MMMDAnce in a programme of two solos and a duet. “I know I’m alive when I’m dancing”. Juliet Shelley " surreal and stylised..." (Dominion Post ) is a Wellington based dancer born in Tanzania who performs improvisations at the drop of a hat and has been doing so for around ten years in NZ. Bob Eisen - "one of the city's more iconoclastic and progressive artists" ( Chicago Tribune ) - is an experimental dance soloist in his '50s. His eclectic career as a dancer, choreographer and improviser spans three decades. He brings to the fringe festival a solo improvisation that runs the gamut from 'dancy ' dance to silliness, awkwardness, gestures, facial expressions and making sounds. His dancing is fluid, gutsy, alarming and deliciously unpretty.

Uniform
Season: Saturday 26 Feb – Wednesday 2 March at 9.30pm
Tickets: $15 full price/$12 concession/$10 Fringe addict
Stitches and sutures, sewing and surgery. A personal account of artistic yearning and body politics. Written, directed and performed by Nichola Gerard and the Big Strong Girls, Uniform (meaning "one shape") is set in a theatre wardrobe and introduces the costumier, summoning some famous feisty females from her theatre career (Nora Helmer, Elektra, Ophelia and others). A score of both original and sampled music, with dance choreography, add to a layered dialogue of theatre ritual and colourful mayhem. Anarchic and camp, Uniform dissects personal identity through the transgender experience, reflecting on the importance of the theatre as a vital social forum. Devised for Performing Arts Studies at the University of Otago, the work and its writer have been featured in the Listener and on TV2's Queer Nation.

Considering Rachel/A Stye of the Eye
Season: Monday 28 Feb - Thursday 3 March (sold out apart from a few tickets tonight – Tues) at 8pm
Tickets: $15 full/$12 concession/$10 Fringe Addict
With a hiss and a roar, Yael Gezentsvey leads The Faberizzi’s double-bill featuring everything from the poignant to the bizarre… Considering Rachel dives into Rachel and Dave’s marriage where the drama and comedy of their relationship unfolds. Desiree Gezentsvey’s script illuminates a marriage where profound intimacy and the abyss of loss are equally present.  
A Stye of the Eye is a hilarious satire of American culture. Murder, incest and a manic transvestite nun- Durang’s work entertains and un-eases. Parodying works by playwright Sam Sheppard, this is one for Sheppard fans and critics alike!

Stamping Grounds
Season: Wednesday 2 – Saturday 5 March at 6.30pm
extra performance at 3pm on Saturday 5 March
Tickets: $15 full/$12 concession/$10 Fringe Addict
Directed by Jade Erikson (Yatra, Penumbra). TALKBACK Youth Theatre collective made up of recent settlers from the Middle East and Africa: Aya Al-Umari, Phil Pithyou, Martin Pithyou, Mohamed Osman, Ahmed Osman, Leila Osman, Fatima Jeylawi, Tammilkah E Nurokina, Yordanos Giebremichael, Rahwa Giebremichael and Zaya Aoraha, and graduates of Toi Whakaari Jessie Alsop, Amanda Baker, Anna Brothers, Jade Daniels and Vaughan Slinn come together, risking life and limb with the stories the media forgot to tell you.   This energetic theatrical exploration is devised from investigations into the powerful media images of countries in crisis that can often overshadow the rich personal experiences and histories of these individual New‚ New Zealanders.

The World’s Tallest Tale
Season: Thursday 3  - Saturday 12 March (no show Sun/Mon) at 9.30pm
Tickets: $16 full/$12 concession/$10 Fringe Addict
International comedians Alicia Clark and Aurora Kurth return to Wellington with the world premier of their latest Theatre escapade.
The story follows our outlandish heroes on a quest to discover the truth behind The World's Tallest Tale. They encounter ridiculous scoundrels, magic and skullduggery, as they race to save the world. Hilarity, adventure and nail biting excitement ensue. The fantastic John Bolton Theatre trademarks are created by - actors playing multiple characters, singing and physical comedy devices all combining to create an amazing world for this story to unfold within. The show's director Merophie Carr a kiwi is also a fellow John Bolton Theatre School graduate and won the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Export Award in 2003.

Drift
Season: Friday 4 – Saturday 5 March at 8pm
Tickets: $14 full/$12 concession/$10 Fringe Addict
Drift, a sonic and movement based performance, debuted in New York in 2004 by Tuning Fork, a NZ production duo. Tuning Fork founders, Camilla Maling and Olivia Skinner, have brought a radio documentary to the stage, combining Camilla’s experience in radio and movement with Olivia’s performative passions. Their multi-dynamic piece tells the story of two women and their fellow NZers dealing with the universal experience of living with distance. Drift has been described as “a kind of aria, a lyrical poem” and encourages audiences to indulge their senses and imaginations. Drift is a story about people, transition and growth expressed through movement, text and audio landscapes of bustling New York environments and abstract sound worlds.

BATS Theatre
1 Kent Terrace
Wellington, Aotearoa
bats@bats.co.nz
bookings 802 4175
office 802 4176
fax 802 4010
www.bats.co.nz

______________________________________________________________________

27.11
BEDBOUND

by Enda Walsh
Directed by Tony McCaffrey
15 – 24 March
BATS Theatre

I'm in the bed. The panic has sucked me dry again 'til all that's left is ta start over. I get that tiredness turn to tight . . . and I give in ta the words. I let go. Go.

Bedbound premieres in New Zealand at BATS Theatre, bringing an edgy new play with graphic warning on the excesses of capitalism.

“Like Beckett with a broken bottle in his hand” (The Times) Enda Walsh, author of award-winning Disco Pigs has penned a tale of a father and a daughter sharing a small bed. He talks frantically of his extraordinary past, she tries to piece together her extraordinary present. Feverishly exciting and blackly comic, the world they live in is unlike any other.

The play is outrageous, intense and seems to break playwriting rules at every twist.

Bedbound brings exciting Christchurch Theatre company A DIFFERENT LIGHT to Wellington. It is a creative collaboration spearheaded by director Tony McCaffrey, a noted director in Christchurch with previous highly successful shows including the New Zealand tour of Disco Pigs in 2003 ('The energy bounces off BATS's walls' - Dominion Post ); The Curative (2003); The Maids (2004); and Duck (2004).

With a combination of the vastly experienced Wellington actor Steven Ray as the Father, a money grabbing nightmare of a self made man; and exciting new talent Amiria Grenell as the Daughter, crippled emotionally and physically by the father.

A specially commissioned soundscape for the production has been composed by O.G (both a solo artist and member of Otautahi Allstars).

With set by Toby Papazoglou and lighting by Martyn Roberts, Bedbound promises a theatrical tour de force with typical Irish intensity and humour.

What: “Bedbound”
Where: BATS Theatre – 1 Kent Terrace, Wellington
When: 15 – 24 March 2005
Time: 8pm, matinee 2pm Sat 19 (no show Sunday).
Cost: $16 / $12

For any further information please contact:
Steph Walker - Producer
021 264 0141
stephdotwalker@paradise.net.nz

___________________________________________________________________

27.12
HAPPY TIMES
 
Sat 5th March
FOOD with CLOT!
Two monster bands! featuring your favourite HAPPY people including the wonderful KATE TELFORD on freak vocals  in CLOT and the irrepressible CRAIG AAA TAYLOR leading FOOD! who shook up the Cuba St Carnival last weekend
starts 10pm
 
Sun 6th March at 8pm
CAROUSEL
Last gig for folksters before relocating in Melbourne
 
And if ragas and saxophones are your thing don't miss this very exciting concert
 
Here it is at last, Indian classical music taking over the saxophone. Just when you thought they would make do with the violin and clarinet as Indian instruments here is the Sax p[layed by Kadri Gopalnath ( - 'the first musician to introduce and popularize it as a main stream instrument in Indian Classical music')
 
He will be playing with violin (Kanyakumari) and percussion Thavil and Karthick on Ghatam.
 
Sunday 6th March at 5.30
Victoria University memorial Theatre
'students' $10

Happy
underground, corner Vivian and Tory Streets
PO Box 9069
Wellington
Aotearoa
+64 4 384 1965
www.happy.net.nz

_________________________________________________________________

27.13
DOWN TO MY SOUL

Soul Food 2005 - Te Haerenga.

Four unique New Zealanders interweave their stories to share the journey of a life time in Baggage Co-op’s new show at Circa.  Acclaimed storytellers Ralph Johnson (NZ Boy to NZ Man), Moira Wairama (From Mono to Bi-cultural Nzer,) Tony Hopkins (Black and Back to Black) and Mary-Alice Arthur (Northern to Southern Hemisphere) join with renowned composer and musician Michelle Scullion as they travel across a diverse landscape of New Zealand experiences.

Amusing, provocative, inspiring and delightful Soul Food 2005 - Te Haerenga is a celebration of the journey of life.

Circa Studio
1 Taranaki Street, Wellington
Tuesday 1 March - Saturday 5 March, 7pm
Sunday 6 March, 4.30pm
$15/ $12/ $10 Fringe and  groups of 10 or more
801-7992 
circa@circa.co.nz

________________________________________________________________

27.14
PARADING OF THE GREEN

The Wellington Irish Festival’s St Patrick’s Illuminated Night Parade
Friday March 11th 2005 @ 8.30pm

The 9th annual Wellington Irish Festival will be kicked off this year by a spectacular New Zealand first – a night time Illuminated Lantern Float Parade.

Each 5 mitre high by 4 mitre wide lantern is internally lit with amazing special effects lighting and graphics. Accompanied en route by dazzling silk flags, fire performers, 80 cheerleaders, 55 floats and several hundred participants.

Look out for live performances of traditional Irish music through out the event. This promises to be a fun family event not to be missed.

Wet weather day: 12th March
Time: 8.30pm – 9.30pm
FREE!!

Brianne Kerr Publicity
021 165 5784
04 380 1071
briannekerrpublicity@yahoo.co.nz

________________________________________________________________

27.15
PUBLIC ART/PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION

Get a closer look at the direction of public art in Wellington. A related paper will be discussed and presented at the March 3 Strategy & Policy Committee meeting of WCC. Excerpts are below. See the complete report at

http://www.wellington.govt.nz/haveyoursay/meetings/committee/Strategy_and_Policy/2005/03Mar0915/pdf/06_Implementing_Public_Art_Policy_final.pdf


IMPLEMENTING THE PUBLIC ART POLICY – FUNDING AND ADMINISTRATION
1. Purpose of Report
This paper presents final recommendations for the implementation of the Public Art Policy (2003) as requested by the Economy and Arts Committee in April 2004.
2. Executive Summary
In April 2004 the Economy and Arts Committee agreed to include $400,000 in the LTTCP from 2005/06 to allow for a more consistent approach to the creation, maintenance and promotion of Wellington’s public art1.
The level of funding for the package was developed by analysing previous and existing funding levels for public art. The fund consolidated ad hoc funding currently sourced through one-off projects, individual sculpture proposals funded through operational and capital funding, and through new initiatives in the Annual Plan process.
Key proposals include:

-- a reduction in the proposed annual Public Art Fund from $400,000 to $300,000 from 2005/06
-- the establishment of a Public Art Panel to implement the policy, manage the Public Art Fund and provide a framework from which Council can seek private sector and central government support for Wellington public art projects
-- an annual grant from the Public Art Fund to the Wellington Sculpture Trust to contribute to the cost of commissioning permanent sculptures
-- the development of an annual Public Art Programme that will be presented to Strategy and Policy Committee each year.
3. Recommendations
It is recommended that the Committee:

1. Receive the information.
2. Note that a $400,000 Public Art Fund was included in the LTCCP from 2005/06 through the 2004/05 Annual Plan, with officers to undertake further policy work on a framework for implementing the fund.
3. Agree that, on the basis of the implementation framework outlined in this paper, the Public Art Fund will now be $300,000 from 2005/06.
4. Agree that the resulting $100,000 savings from 2005/06 onwards will be reflected through the 2005/06 draft Annual Plan process.
5. Agree to establish a Public Art Panel as the key mechanism to implement the Public Art Policy, including integrating art in to Council capital work projects, providing a grant to Wellington Sculpture Trust, the development of temporary public art and an annual Public Art Programme.
6. Agree to the Public Art Panel targeting central government departments and appropriate private developers to facilitate the integration of public art in key non-Council capital work projects in Wellington.
7. Note that information on Wellington’s Annual Public Art Programme will be presented to the Strategy and Policy Committee each year.

_______________________________________________________________________

27.16
PHOTOGRAPHIC RELIEF

Now at 91 Aro Street

Don’t miss a new exhibition of photographs taken by James Hollings while he was helping out with the Tsunami relief effort in Nagapattinam, India.

He'll also be giving a speech and a question/answer session on the exhibition's closing night: 6:30pm Thursday the 10th of March.
Entry by a donation to the Red Cross tsunami appeal.

91 Aro Street
http://www.aroarts.org.nz/

______________________________________________________________________

27.17
POETIC LICENSE

Ala Ala Oho Awake

Poetry Café is excited to announce an evening with a difference.  We are bringing the talented Pasifika Poets Collective to the Dizzy Fish on the 14 March all the way from Auckland to share Pacific stories through music and performance poetry.  To fit in all they have to offer we are beginning at the earlier time of 7pm.

Their programme, Ala Ala Oho Awake celebrates a mixture of Samoan, Niuean , Maori  and English.  For ten years, the Collective has been entertaining audiences with stories with universal themes.  Set up by Mua Strickson-Pua, an Aotearoa-born Samoan Chinese poet, the Collective also includes Tigi Ness, a Niuean poet, John Puleitu, a talented performer and musician and Feleti Strickson-Pua, an exhibited artist and Hip Hop dancer.

Mua, an ordained Presbyterian minister, goes under the stage name of Rev MC.  He has been involved in writing and performing in New Zealand and the Pacific for over twenty years.  His work has been published in First Draft, Whetu Moana, the Watties Literary award winning book of poetry and he has released the CD, Pasifika Hip Hop Poetry as well as having a poem on the album Polyunsaturated.

Tigi Ness, of Rastafarian faith, carries his strong belief in social justice for all into his support for the arts development projects amongst Pacific communities and more recently he has been working with inner city schools.  Pioneering reggae in New Zealand in the 1970’s with the band Herbs, he released his debut album From Street to Sky in 2002.

With his band EPR which is currently working on an EP, John Puleiti has produced a video highly praised by critics for its refreshing quality.  He has also performed in Australia and Fiji and he and Feleiti give Ala the inter-generational dimension so this group appeals to people of all ages.

With Puleitu, Feleiti is the musical foundation of the Poets Collective.  He has a number of awards to his name. Nesian Mystik 2003 winner of the APRA Silver Scroll and New Zealand Music Awards, Fresh Dialects 2001winners of Smokefree Pacifica Beats National Secondary Schools Maori & Pacific Islands Contemporary Music award, and EPR winners of  2001 Christian Music National Battle Of The Bands CTC. 

Don’t miss this once only performance of Pasifika Hip Hop poetry at The Dizzy Fish, Porirua on Monday 14 March at the earlier time of 7pm.  And as always, entry is free.

_______________________________________________________________________

27.18
YOUNG AT ART

Capitial E National Arts Festival 2005
The Capital E National Arts Festival turns Wellington into New Zealand's centre of arts for young people from 5-20 March 2005.This fabulous two-yearly event presents children aged 3-14 and their families with some of the best performing arts and events from New Zealand and Australia

http://www.capitale.org.nz/

_____________________________________________________________________

27.19
CAPOEIRISTAS UNITE
Capoeira Pasifika Mandinga Aotearoa - New Zealand
Capoeira? You say it like this 'Kap-oh-wear-uh'! It's a cool kind of martial art dance with music - a mix between Break-Dance and Kung Fu! Check it out at this show. You'll want to join in! And you can. Capoeira was made up by African slaves in Brazil more than 200 years ago. Now, people all over the world are doing it! It's even used in Playstation games!
What to expect:
Ten performers will present three short Capoeira dances. This is followed by a workshop - with all children joining in the final performance. During the workshops, children work in small groups visiting different stations to find out about the five main components of Capoeira.
Public: Sorry, just for schools!
Venue: Te Papa
Duration: 60 minutes
Age: Ideal for age 7-14 years
Education Programme Week One: Mon 7 - Fri 11 March
__________________________________________________________________

27.20
HINEPAU
Capital E National Theatre for Children - New Zealand
World Premiere
Poor Hinepau, sent away from her village for being different just because she has red hair, green eyes and does inside-out weaving. Her friends think she is a witch and are mean to her, but when they annoy the gods by cutting down a totara tree without saying the proper karakia (prayer), guess who they ask to help?
What to expect:
Hinepau is a hip new show set in an old time. It's funny, it's a bit sad and it has a good message about life and the land. It's based on the book Hinepau by award-winning New Zealand writer/illustrator Gavin Bishop. Adapted for the stage by Rachel House and puppet direction by Peter Wilson.
Public: Sat 5 March, 4pm;
Sat 12 March, 11am and 1pm
Sunday 13 March, 11am and 1pm.
Venue: Main Hall, Capital E
Duration: 60 minutes
Age: Family Show - Ideal for age 7-14 years
Price: $12.00
Education Programme Week One: Mon 7 - Fri 11 March
_______________________________________________________________________

27.21
NEW DIRECTIONS

Artistic Director of New Zealand International Arts Festival stepping down in 2006

Fran Wilde, Chair of the New Zealand International Arts Festival today announced the departure of its artistic director, Carla van Zon, who will leave at the end of the Festival.

Fran Wilde said: “Carla informed the Board last year that the 2006 Festival would be her last. We will be very sorry to see Carla depart but understand her desire to seek fresh challenges and a change in direction.

“Carla has been an integral part of the Festival for the past 15 years and has made a huge contribution to the Festival, the city, New Zealand’s performing arts, and arts leadership in general. Wellington owes her an enormous debt of gratitude.

“She can be rightfully proud of the experiences she has brought to Wellington, which have enriched the lives of hundreds of thousands of people. Carla has been a key part of the New Zealand International Arts Festival’s success story having been involved in every festival since its inception in 1986, more recently in the roles of executive director and artistic director.

“She will be leaving the Festival in very good heart with the 2006 Festival shaping up to be one of her best programmes,” Fran Wilde said.

Carla van Zon said today: “It has been enormously challenging, inspirational and satisfying to have spent the past 15 years building the New Zealand International Arts Festival to what it is today, with the support and enthusiasm of so many New Zealand and international artists. It is now time to move on, however. ”

The Board will now begin a national and international search to replace Carla to ensure the new appointee can be an observer at the Festival which takes place 24 February – 19 March 2006.

“This will be an excellent opportunity for the appointee to gain first hand experience of the challenges of putting together and staging New Zealand’s premier arts event. It’s important to continue the Festival’s development, so that it is stronger than ever,” Fran Wilde said.

People interested in viewing the job description should go to the Festival website: www.nzfestival.telecom.co.nz

New Zealand International Arts Festival
Wellington, New Zealand
496 5493
www.nzfestival.telecom.co.nz

_____________________________________________________________________

27.22
FILMING YOUTH

Young film-makers and the Simmonds Brothers
World Premiere
Imagine a cartoon movie about kids making their own cartoons! Movers & Shakers is the true cartoon story of how six New Zealand children did their own stuff. You'll laugh lots at their cool cartoons. You'll laugh even more seeing how they did it as filmmakers and animators Jeff and Phill Simmonds tell the story.
What to expect:An hour of live music and fun with The Simmonds Brothers. You'll see cartoon films showing how their 'documation' technique brings stories to life, including the premiere of Movers & Shakers. This is a short, funny film using real-life and cartoons to show young Kiwi film-makers at work!
Public: Sat 12 March, 12.30pm;
Venue: City Cinema, City Gallery
Duration: 60 minutes
Age: Family Show - Ideal for age 7-14 years+
Price: $12.00
Education Programme: Week One - Mon 7 - Fri 11 March

_______________________________________________________________________

27.23
SECRET GARDENING

Ake Ake Theatre Company - New Zealand
World Premiere
Can you keep a secret? Far away on a mysterious ocean, is a cave with a magical door. Enter this hidden place. There are weird slimy things and flying creatures, imaginary friends and awesome colours. You'll be in a fantasy land you'll never forget!
What to expect: Our Secret Garden is an exciting circus-theatre show. You'll see mind-blowing stilt-dancers, awesome acrobats and amazing costumes. It's been made for the Festival by prize-winning Ake Ake Theatre Company with costumes by Empress Stilt Dance Company based in Amsterdam.
Public: Sun 6 March, 2.00pm
Sat 19 March, 3.30pm;
Venue: Shed 11, Wellington Waterfront
Duration: 60 minutes (45mins during Education Programme Week Two)
Age: Family Show - Ideal for age 3 - 12+ years
Price: $12.00
Education Programme: Week One and Week Two - Mon 7 to Fri 18 March
________________________________________________________________________

27.24
ON THE BIG SCREEN

Chill out and check out amazing films from all over the world - on a giant screen outside on Wellington's waterfront! It's free. Bring a crowd, a blanket and munchies!!!
Freaky Friday - Fri 11 March 7pm to 8.10pm
You're bound to get a little bit freaked out! See the best of TV series Freaky Friday. The director has chosen the best of these short episodes for kids made here in New Zealand. See the wacky, ridiculous and sometimes frightening ways life goes a little bit weird! Presented with support from NZ on Air and TVNZ.
Muppets from Space - Saturday 12 March 7pm
What is Gonzo? Unsure of what species he belongs to and having never known his family, Gonzo and the Muppet crew set out to find his place in the universe. A fun film for all ages! Presented with support from Columbia TriStar Pictures.
Short Films - Sun 13 March 4.30pm - 6pm
We bet you've never seen these before! You'll gasp and giggle watching these short movies from all over the world! Some real life, some cartoons, all are fun.
Public: Fri 11 - Sun 13 March
New Venue: Frank Kitts Park, Wellington Waterfront.
Duration: Up to 1 1/2 hours
Age: Children, families - anyone who loves films!
Price: Free
____________________________________________________________________

27.25
DON’T FORGET ABOUT WOMAD

www.womad.org

___________________________________________________________________

27.26
THINK BIG

Get the big idea
http://www.bigidea.co.nz

And register as a user
http://www.bigidea.co.nz/user.php?op=register

_________________________________________________________

27.27
PLOPPY WORLD

The Plops are back with a brand new show - new story, new songs, with some of our old favourites, and even a new character!  I would love you to tell all the people with children 7yrs and under that you know and invite them along. 
 
The show runs for aprox 40 minutes - ideal to keep the littlelees entertained.  It is full of singing, dancing and story telling delivered in our own Ploppy way!  It's funny - even you grownups will find yourself giggling!!!!!!!!!!!!!

The Newtown fair is on that day so it could be a great day out!
Location:  Newton Community Hall, Cnr Rintoul & Columbo Streets

Kick Off:  3pm
Cost: $5 per person

Check out our website
www.theplops.co.nz
for more info on the the show!
 
Come and have a ploppy good time
Jo (aka Captain Spacey Sue)

_________________________________________________________

27.28
AFFORDABLE ART, TAKE TWO

All original, all New Zealand made, all under one roof …..

Calling all painters, sculptors, ceramic makers, glass workers, multi-media artists and any other people involved in creative pursuits, nationwide.

The Second New Zealand Affordable Art Show is coming soon. Registrations have just opened for any artist wanting to exhibit and sell their work in the mid-July show.

All artists are welcome to register regardless of whether they’ve exhibited before or not. Here’s the catch – all work has to be priced below $5000.

You have to register by May 1 2005.

To do so go to www.affordableart.co.nz and download a registration form or email / phone carla@affordableart.co.nz (04) 472 7652.

________________________________________________________

27.29
STRATIFIED

Taki Rua Productions presents

Strata

Most original production of the year
Best New Director
Outstanding New Playwright

Strata
By Kirk Torrance / Directed by Tim Spite

Set in the late 1800¹s on the rugged West coast of the South Island, Strata tells the dark story of Angus and his simpleton brother Mo, two men digging for redemption 1000 feet under the earth¹s crust. The steadfast pair work diligently and at times frantically, but for different reasons. The ignorant Mo is misled by his brother, believing their back-breaking efforts will result in more pay and status amongst the miners. But unbeknownst to him, Angus has other shadowed motives for working himself and his brother to the brink of collapse - to reach the heart of the underworld in hopes of saving the soul of his unborn child. As they move further away from the rest of the mining pack and deeper into the earth the real secret begins to unravel.

Hamilton
7-9 March at 8pm
The Telecom Playhouse, Academy Performing Arts, University of Waikato Gate 2b Knighton Road Bookings 0800 38 35 2002

Palmerston North
12-14 March
8pm ­ 12th / 5pm ­ 13th / 6.30pm ­ 14th
Centrepoint Theatre
Cnr Church and Pitt Street
Bookings on (06) 354 5740

Upper Hutt
16-19 March ­ 8pm
Expressions Arts and Entertainment Centre
836 Fergusson Drive, Upper Hutt
(04) 527 2168

Hamilton and Palmerston North ticket prices: $30 Full / $26 Concession / $22 group Upper Hutt ticket prices are: $30 Full / $25 Concession / $12 students Bookings and Transaction fees may apply

A multi-award winning company, Taki Rua Productions boasts a high national profile with an ever-increasing international presence on the world stage. Annually between 20,000 and 30,000 people attended a production presented by Taki Rua Productions. Our kaupapa is to promote Mäori perspectives through the production of excellent theatre to communities throughout Aotearoa and the worldS

Taki Rua Productions
www.takirua.co.nz
Publicity + Marketing
(04) 236 0445

_____________________________________________________________

27.30
BEVERLY RHODES: HOME IS WHERE WE START FROM

Michael Hirschfeld Gallery at City Gallery Wellington
25 February – 3 April 2005
Free entry

Beverly Rhodes’ solo exhibition project at the Michael Hirschfeld Gallery draws on the body of work she developed for her recently-completed Master of Fine Arts degree at RMIT, Melbourne.

In ‘Home is where we start from’ Rhodes explores ideas about childhood, motherhood and the process of growing up and discovering oneself as an individual. Rhodes’ work is nostalgic without being sentimental, and has a strong aesthetic, with bold use of colour (particularly deep reds and clean whites) and texture, especially in her use of lacquer-like enamel paint and woollen fabrics.

‘Home is where we start from’ is made up of three components that when brought together reveal the connections between the states of childhood and motherhood as experienced over a lifetime by one person.

For one work, Rhodes has taken the kitchen shelving units she grew up with, and mixed them with other familiar objects, including chairs, drawers and a school desk, all of which she has swaddled and stitched into scarlet woollen fabric. Rhodes will panel the walls of the smaller exhibition space in the Michael Hirschfeld Gallery with lengths of scarlet-painted plywood and then arrange the fabric-wrapped objects within the space, creating an immersive environment full of evocative colours and textures.

In another work, a wall hanging is made up of fabric strips embroidered with the phrases ‘blood sweat tears’ and ‘you are my sunshine’. In a third installation, piles of freshly-laundered sheets are neatly lined up along the gallery wall. A video projection plays over the sheets, showing Rhodes and her daughter folding linen, turning this household chore into a graceful, choreographed performance.

Through the three installations, Rhodes transforms the Gallery into a meditative space for visitors to ponder and enjoy.

Beverly Rhodes is of Kai Tahu and Scottish descent and was born in Methven, Canterbury, in 1941. She has exhibited throughout New Zealand since the early 1990s and her work has been recently seen in the exhibitions BlanketStitch at Objectspace, Auckland, and The New Alchemists at the Dowse Art Museum, Lower Hutt.

Artist and curator’s floortalk – Thursday 3 March 2005, 5.30pm. All welcome

Designworks Enterprise IG are proud sponsors of the Michael Hirschfeld Gallery. Thanks also to Colourcraft; and Publication & Design, Wellington City Council. City Gallery Wellington is managed by the Wellington Museums Trust with major funding from the Wellington City Council.

Tel. 64 4 801 3959
Fax. 64 4 801 3096

www.city-gallery.org.nz

____________________________________________________________

27.31
CHICKS WITH GUNS!!
 
Wellington Players to Invade Auckland, Take No Prisoners, The Horror…
 
A.N.A.L* proudly presents the world-premiere 20-minute, all-female stage version of Apocalypse Now. Taking place at Silo Theatre, Auckland, at 11pm, Friday 4th March, this one-off late night show features chicks with guns, blood, smoke and horror!
 
Featuring Jo Randerson and Melanie Hamilton.
 
After the performance a forum will take place, titled: THE STATE OF NEW ZEALAND THEATRE.  We fully encourage participation in this un-chaired forum for all practitioners, observers and lovers/haters of NZ theatre.
 
WHAT: All female, stage version of Apocalypse Now
WHERE: Silo Theatre, Lower Greys Ave, Auckland
WHEN: 11pm, Friday 4th March, 2005
HOW MUCH: Koha
BOOKINGS: No bookings. Just turn up
WHAT ELSE:  Forum: The State of NZ Theatre, taking place immediately after performance
 
For further information email A.N.A.L @ mel@barbarian.co.nz
 
*Apocalypse Now Actors' League

________________________________________________________________

27.32



___________________________________________________________

27.33
IN HONOUR OF WORDS

Honouring Words: International Indigenous Authors Celebration Tour was initiated by Canadian writer and publisher Kateri Akiwenzie-Damm (Anishnaabe) in 2002 to promote and expose the work of Indigenous writers to a growing International audience.

The first tour was held in Canada in 2002 and the second tour was hosted by Australia in 2003. Te Ha - Contemporary Maori Writers committee of Toi Maori Aotearoa is thrilled to be able to host the third tour, and have put together a programme which includes literary events and visits to Wananga (Maori universities) marae, museums, libraries and schools throughout the North Island of New Zealand.

A group of nine exciting and innovative Indigenous writers and storytellers from Canada, Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand will be on tour. They will bring readings and performances to venues throughout the North Island from the Tuna Café in Moerewa to Te Papa in Wellington.

An exciting lineup of events has been organized for the Wellington tour including a conversation between Thomas King from Canada and Wellington-based writer Patricia Grace. Thomas King is one of Canada’s most celebrated indigenous writers who is best known for his novels Truth and Bright Water (1999), Green Grass, Running Water (1993) and Medicine River (1990) and his famed CBS radio show, The Dead Dog Café Comedy Hour. Patricia Grace has just published her latest novel “Tu”. Join them at the National Library Auditorium on Friday 11 March.

Don’t miss the opportunity to hear more of the Honouring Words writers at Te Papa Tongarewa, where they will be presenting a programme of poetry and reading and writing for plays and film on Saturday 12 and Sunday 13 March. Additional performances will also take place at Pataka Museum in Porirua on Saturday 12 March.

“We are honoured to have the presence of world renowned indigenous writers from Canada and Australia. Honouring Words celebrates indigenous literature as a unique and special voice to people the world over. The Honouring Words tour is a wonderful celebration of these writers’ achievements”. (Garry Nicholas, General Manager, Toi Maori Aotearoa)

For Further information please contact Mere Boynton, Marketing Coordinator, Toi Maori Aotearoa. Ph 04 801 7914 Fax 04 801 9412 Email mere@maoriart.org.nz

___________________________________________________________

27.34
HUM DINGER

A LOW HUM is back. Just like disco.

This month sees two of the most difficult to pigeonhole bands in the country touring together.

The creation of Nick Harte, The Shocking Pinks live band takes upon many shapes and forms. Famous for their live shows being ground breakingly spectacular one moment and then insanely broken the next, they are the most mysterious band around. The current lineup of the Christchurch four piece is goddamn brilliant and totally un-missable. The second Shocking Pinks album “Mathematical Warfare” comes out through Flying Nun on Feb 28th, and this tour also doubles as the album release tour.

The chance that you could see The Shocking Pinks absolutely hit the disco nail on the head is reason alone that you do not miss this gig but make sure you bring your finest pair of strap on dancing shoes because otherwise co-headliners from Wellington, The Inkling will confuse your shoes right off your feet.

I used to just go to all their shows cause I felt so cool and sophisticated looking like a beatnik grooving to their warped jazz infused whatchamacallit in the tiny, smoky, packed rooms. Now I realize that The Inkling are basically the bees knees and that even in large, non-smoky, packed rooms they still make pop rockers look like chumps. Their debut album is due out through the increasingly ace label Capital Recordings in April, see them before it comes out and you’ll be too cool for school.

This is a lineup not to be trifled with. If you enjoy getting your dance on and if you seriously want to see the two New Zealand bands that every overseas magazine this year is going to be champing at the bit over, then don’t miss this gig.

A LOW HUM and Jack Daniels present
The Shocking Pinks and The Inkling with guests
Thu 17th - Wellington, Happy
Fri 18th - Palmerston North, 85 Broadway
Sat 19th - Auckland, Edens Bar
Sun 20th - Leigh, Sawmill Café
Thu 24th - Nelson, Hot Momma's
Fri 25th - Christchurch, Creation
Sat 26th - Dunedin, Arc Café
Sun 27th - Queenstown, Dux De Lux

The #16/CD 8 “The” issue of A LOW HUM is absolutely choice as well. With a stunning “The” compilation that features tracks from The Mint Chicks, The Fucking Am, The Dukes of Leisure, The Demi-Whores, The Users, The Shocking Pinks, The Inkling, The Lahars and The Sentimental Plastic. As always, free with entry.

Thank God for Jack Daniels for making this actually happen and not just be a figment of my imagination, and respect to RDU, R1, Active, FleetFM, The Package and The Fix for making it happen in style.

http://www.alowhum.com/

____________________________________________________________

27.35

BUILDING ENCYCLOPAEDIC KNOWLEDGE

http://www.teara.govt.nz/

and looking back

http://www.teara.govt.nz/1966/en

____________________________________________________________

27.36
IT IS YOUR DESTINY

Feb 25 2005 - May 1 2005

DESTINY DEACON: WALK AND DON’T LOOK BLAK and LISA REIHANA: NEW WORK
Destiny Deacon: walk and don’t look blak is the first major survey exhibition of this leading indigenous Australian artist whose wicked humour and potent politics have engaged audiences internationally.
The exhibition, organised by the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA) in Sydney, focuses on the past fourteen years of this artist's career and includes some of her most important photographic, video, performance and installation works.
As an artist Deacon draws widely from urban culture and personal experience, inventively using what she describes as ‘low tech’ and ‘low budget’ tools and techniques. Deacon’s work addresses social and political issues with wit and intelligence, often making use of her extensive collection of kitsch souvenirs, knick-knacks and black ‘dollies’ - popular in Australia in the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s. These works engage with indigenous and gender issues that are not only specific to Australia but also have international relevance.
Deacon’s artwork has featured in a number of major international exhibitions including the Fifth Havana Biennial (1994); the First Johannesburg Biennale (1995); Second Asia Pacific Triennial (1996); and the Yokohama Triennial (2001). Significantly, Deacon was the only Australian artist invited to participate in Documenta 11 (2000) in Kassel, Germany.
LISA REIHANA: NEW WORK
Having gained international acclaim in the exhibition Paradise Now? in New York, the Adam Art Gallery has invited New Zealand artist, Lisa Reihana to create a new body of photographic based works for an exhibition that will run concurrently with Destiny Deacon: walk and don’t look blak at the Adam Art Gallery.
As two leading female indigenous artists, Reihana and Deacon have been working alongside one another over the past decade and in many ways Reihana and Deacon's practices have run parallel. Both artists use multi-media to explore issues relating to history, indigenity and gender, which each artist does with incisive humour and wit. Given their close association, Reihana was invited to contribute towards the catalogue that accompanies Destiny Deacon: walk and don’t look blak.
Reihana’s dynamic multi-media installations explore the diverse ways in which indigenous identity is constructed and represented in a bi-cultural context. In previous works, such as ‘Native Portraits’ (1999), Reihana used artifice and role-play to discuss issues of identity and visual representation. More recently, in works such as ‘Digital Marae’ (2001), Reihana presented digitally manipulated interpretations of Maori female ancestor figures in a series of large-scale, glossy, colour photographs that have attracted international attention.
http://www.vuw.ac.nz/adamartgal/

____________________________________________________________

27.37
FRONT OF THE CLASS
Frontseat is a weekly half-hour current affairs programme, investigating and showcasing New Zealand's arts and culture. It screens on Sunday nights on TVOne.

Coming up this Sunday evening…
Oliver Driver interviews International Festival of the Arts Director Carla Van Zon who has just announced her resignation.
Ugly Building Syndrome: Do the people of a city have any power to stop eyesores being erected? Next week Prince Charles pops in, sans Camilla, to talk about the new partnership with local authorities that could end bad urban design forever. Jeremy Hansen asks if it's too late for Auckland.

Mystery Girl: A couple of years back, a new tour promoter on the scene started bringing to New Zealand old favourites like The Breeders, and new-to-NZ alt.country acts such as Calexico and Cat Power. Her gigs sell out with very little publicity, and she's notoriously tough on freebies at the door. Julie Hill meets the woman behind Mystery Girl.

Kronos Quartet: An exclusive extract from the quartet's recent performance in Auckland, plus a lovely chat with first violinist David Harrington.

And much, much more.
We're conducting an investigation into New Zealand's ugliest buildings. Send us an email saying which building you hate and why and better still, send a photo of it. Email jeremy@frontseat.co.nz
http://www.frontseat.co.nz

____________________________________________________________

27.38
MONEY FOR SOMETHING

Free Funding Advice

Setting up or seeking funds for a community, recreation or arts group?
Looking for new ways of accessing resources? Come to a FREE “Funding Access Roadshow” to find out more.

16 March, 11.30-3.30pm & 5-7pm
Indian Cultural Centre, Kemp Street,
Kilbirnie
Wellington

____________________________________________________________

27.39
BABY PROMS

A CONCERT ESPECIALLY FOR YOUNG CHILDREN

Michael Fowler Centre
Sunday 13 March 3.00pm

NGC Wellington Sinfonia, conducted by Owen Clarke, is out to give children, toddlers and even adults a real treat!

In this Baby Proms TM concert children don’t have to sit quietly and listen.

They can jump and bounce, sing and play … even conduct Wellington’s orchestra as they play lots of fun music like Incy Wincy Spider, I’m a Little Teapot, Teddy Bear’s Picnic, Buzz, and more… The children can even walk amongst the 54 players in the NGC Wellington Sinfonia and see the instruments close up!

Baby Proms is a classically based music show that invites everyone to join in. Conceived and hosted by Jennifer Moss of Palmerston North for
2-7 year olds, it has already been a huge hit in Auckland.

Come and enjoy sharing this fun and energetic concert with your small folk.

Sunday 13 March 3pm
Michael Fowler Centre
Age: 2-7 year olds
Duration: 60 mins
Children $6 Adults $12
Book at Ticketek (transaction fee will apply)

For further information please contact:
Dawn Sanders, Marketing Manager, NGC Wellington Sinfonia

P: (04) 476 8369 or 027 283 6016 E: Action-Sanders@xtra.co.nz

____________________________________________________________

27.40
GET THEE TO NEWTOWN

Newtown Festival 2005 - Artists and Art Studios
There are a number of artists and studios in Newtown. Some are the work places of artists themselves while others are galleries. These folk have joined the Festival programme.
Paul Forrest - A local Newtown Artist, Paul Forrest will have his studio, "The Studio", open for viewing from 10am to 5pm on 5. 6, 9 and 10 March 2005 and will show an exhibition of Contemporary oil paintings. The Studio is located upstairs at 146 Riddiford St, Newtown
GRODENTZ works on Paper - is an art studio that is open on Saturdays 10am to 4pm. Located at 17 Kenwyn Terrace, Newtown, the studio deals in limited edition etchings, engravings, woodcuts and mezzotints by new and established New Zealand Artists
Mark Ussher - Artist and Designer. At the end of 2004 moved from Anvil House in Wellington City to Newtown. Mark is also involved with the leading of courses at The Learning Connection. There are two areas set up in Mark studio, one for painting and one for design work. ‘Both inspire each other [and] there are big overlaps between the two; there’s a grey area. A lot of the more experimental design work is more over towards art and a lot of the art stuff I do is going back towards graphic design.’ Mark's Studio is at 84 Constable Street, Newtown and is open by arrangement - contact 3897131.
Andrew Missen - Nidus - Furniture with a difference is Andrew's forte. Made to order or reconditioned, along with other artistic endeavours, all is there to see at Andrew's studio "Nidus" located at 74 Constable St, Newtown. The studio is open on Saturdays 10am to 12 Noon. Location
For information about the 2005 Newtown Festival see http://www.newtownfestival.org.nz
________________________________________________________________

27.41
PULP CULTURE FORUM

http://www.pulpexpo.com/

________________________________________________________________

27.42
COME TO THE CABARET

ROADWORKS (A RED MOLE PRODUCTION)

Presents

CABARET OF THE UNLIKELY


At BATS THEATRE, 1 Kent Tce
Wellington
Tuesday – Saturday, 8th – 12th March at 7pm
Booking Through Bats (04) 802 4175

Following on from their two successful productions in 2004, Unbearable Journeys and The (Un)Known Island, Roadworks has been invited by Bats Theatre to present their latest work, Cabaret of the Unlikely.

With a combination of company members and special guests, this cabaret promises to be packed with surprises. Featuring puppets, masks, musicians and performance artists, you must expect the unexpected. From Roadworks’ top hits from the past to acts unknown and untested, the cabaret is a montage of unusual performance events directed by Sally Rodwell.

Guests joining Roadworks during the Cabaret of the Unlikely season include musicians Chris Palmer, Jeff Henderson, Johnny Marks, Leila Adu, Craig Taylor, vocalist Kate Telford and puppeteer Carlos Wedde.

The Capital Times called Unbearable Journeys – “A stunning piece of theatre.”

Jennifer Shennan in the DominionPost wrote: “In chant and dance, through “foreign” accents, with flashed fragments of maps and boundaries marked by ropes, with sinister masks and quarrelling puppets, with minimal props and lashings of imagination, the hour-long unbroken show is impeccably staged.”

Of The Un(Known) Island John Smythe in The National Business Review wrote: “It remains an important facet of freedom that such conscientious writers and performers may create such theatre events…”

Roadworks continues to explore text, performance and visual imagery in this their latest work.

___________________________________________________________________

27.43
LISTEN AND DITHER

http://www.listener.co.nz/printable,2599.sm

___________________________________________________________________

27.44
THEN CONSIDER THIS MODEL

http://www.artspaceusa.org/index.html

Minneapolis-based Artspace is a real estate development organization whose projects are designed specifically to cater to the needs of artists seeking live/work space. Originally a creation of the Minneapolis Art Commission, Artspace was spun off as a nonprofit organization in the mid-1980s. From its first projects close to home, Artspace's reach has expanded to include the development and ownership of arts facilities in Galveston, Texas; Reno, Nevada; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Portland, Oregon. It also has been a consultant on more than a dozen other arts facilities development projects nationwide. Artspace's holdings are valued at nearly $75 million, according to Chris Velasco, manager of Artspace. The oldest of these projects include the Northern Warehouse Artists Cooperative in St. Paul's Lowertown neighborhood, which was established in 1990, as well as the Frogtown Family Lofts in 1992 and the Tilsner Building in 1993, both also in St. Paul.
"We place a high value on the contributions the arts make to neighborhoods and economic centers such as urban downtowns," says Tom Nordyke, vice president of the 20-employee Artspace. "There's an intangible quality, yet one we find valuable in contributing to the livability and revitalization of communities. That's not to say we're a community-building organization . . . it's the artists themselves, living and working in our projects, who are involved in community building. We try to focus on serving the needs of local arts communities by offering the technical real estate development skills that make possible self-sustaining arts facilities."

Read more at
http://www.artspaceusa.org/news/call_to_art.htm

______________________________________________________________________

27.45
MONEY FOR CREATIVITY

Arts & Culture and Creative Communities Grants Due by end of April

http://www.wellington.govt.nz/services/grants/index.html

_____________________________________________________________________

27.46
POETIC SUBMISSION

Poetry Competition call for entries

Entries to the 2005 New Zealand Poetry Society’s International Poetry Competition close on 30 May. There are four sections: Open (judged by John Horrocks), Open Junior (judged by Pat White), Haiku (judged by Bernie Gadd) and Haiku Junior (judged by Jeannette Stace). Junior sections are open only to entrants who are 17 or younger on 30 May 2005.

Entry fees remain the same as last year due to the financial support of the competition’s sponsors. The society is grateful to the Asia New Zealand Foundation for its continuing support of the Junior Haiku section and to new Open section sponsor The Learning Connexion.

Winners, placegetters, commended entries and editor’s choice of entries will be included in an anthology scheduled for publication in late 2005.

Click on the link below for more information and entry forms. You can also email competition@poetrysociety.org.nz, or write to Laurice Gilbert, Competition Secretary, NZPS, PO Box 5283, Lambton Quay, Wellington.

_____________________________________________________________________

27.47
UNITES/CREATIVE NATIONS

International programme offers range of fellowships
The UNESCO-Aschberg Bursaries for Artists programme, established in 1994, will offer 62 arts fellowships with 50 partner institutions in 30 countries – from Australia, Brazil and China to Spain, Thailand and the United States.

The programme aims to open up new career prospects for artists and provide them with the opportunity for further training in specialised institutions. The fellowships are co-financed by the International Fund for the Promotion of Culture and an international network of partner institutions specialising in the training of artists.

There are fellowships available in visual arts, music, dance, writing, theatre and media arts. Click on the link below for more information.

http://www.unesco.org/culture/aschberg

____________________________________________________________________

27.48
OBJECTS, CRAFTS, FELLOWS

Applications to 2005 Creative New Zealand Craft/Object Art Fellowship
Creative New Zealand is calling for applications to the 2005 Creative New Zealand Craft/Object Art Fellowship, worth $65,000. The closing date for applications is 25 March 2005 and the recipient will be required to complete a project over a 12-month period.

Established last year, this annual fellowship is the largest craft/object art fellowship or award available in New Zealand. It’s open to mid-career and senior New Zealand practitioners, curators and writers - ranging from jewellers, weavers and ceramicists through to furniture-makers and designers.

Applicants should demonstrate that they have a strong national reputation and have been critically acclaimed for the work they have produced. Creative New Zealand will be inviting external peer assessors to assist with the decision-making process.

For more information and guidelines please contact Elizabeth Caldwell, Creative New Zealand (Tel: 04-498 0737 Email: elizabethc@creativenz.govt.nz). You can also click on the link below for the guidelines.

http://www.creativenz.govt.nz/resources/forms-guidelines/craft-fellowship-05.rtf

_____________________________________________________________________

27.49
GOOD ADVICE

Creative New Zealand appoints Arts Adviser, Theatre and Dance
John McDavitt has been appointed the Arts Adviser, Theatre and Dance, as part of the Arts Services team at Creative New Zealand.

John has been acting in this role since Cath Cardiff (former Arts Adviser, Theatre and Dance) was seconded to the position of Audience and Market Development Project Manager in late 2003.

When the Audience and Market Development team was established in late 2004, Cath was appointed Manager, Audience and Market Development. Consequently, the Arts Adviser, Theatre and Dance position became vacant and Creative New Zealand advertised the position.

Rob Garrett, Manager, Arts Services, says: “John brings a wealth of professional performing arts experience to the position, with a special depth of experience and knowledge in theatre. Creative New Zealand will be extremely well-served by someone who is so widely known and respected in the arts sector.”

The position of Assistant Arts Adviser - Dance, Theatre and Pacific Arts is vacant and Creative New Zealand is currently advertising this position. Applications close on 18 March. Please post applications to Manager, Corporate Services, Creative New Zealand, PO Box 3806, Wellington. Or you can email them to Emma Batt (emmab@creativenz.govt.nz).

Click on the link below for the job description.

http://www.creativenz.govt.nz/resources/assistant.pdf

____________________________________________________________________

27.50
KRONOLOGICAL

Kronos Quartet returns to the Capital

Cutting-edge chamber musicians Kronos Quartet from San Francisco returns to Wellington for the first time in nine years, performing at the Wellington Town Hall on Monday 14 March.

Kronos performed in Auckland last month and as an encore performed their rendition of rock guitar legend Jimi Hendrix’s Woodstock version of “The Star Spangled Banner”.

David Harrington, founding member and violinist for Kronos Quartet, says: “In our dissent from the actions of the Bush administration, we have been searching for musical elements to bring to our concerts. Among them is our version of ‘The Star Spangled Banner’, inspired by Jimi Hendrix’s performance at Woodstock.”

Kronos recently released a new CD on Nonesuch Records entitled “Mugam Sayagi: Music of Franghiz Ali-Zadeh”. The disc includes four works by the Azerbaijani composer, three of which were commissioned by Kronos. One of these is Ali-Zadeh’s “Oasis”, which Kronos will perform at their Wellington performance this month.

“Franghiz’s pieces unfold with a magical sense of timing,” Harrington says. “New scenes arrive mysteriously, each born at just the right moment. She gives us exquisite interior worlds of instrumental colour and we dwell in places we’ve never been before.”

Kronos have built an eclectic and extensive repertoire for string quartet. They perform and record works by twentieth-century masters, contemporary composers, jazz legends and musicians, including Pakistani vocal master Pandit Pran Nath and avant-garde saxophonist John Zorn. Also included is a rendition of Jimi Hendrix’s “Purple Haze”.

Chamber Music New Zealand presents Kronos Quartet by arrangement with Arts Projects Australia. The Wellington concert is presented with support from the Willi Fels Trust, Adam Foundation and Peter and Carolyn Diessl.

Chamber Music New Zealand receives three-year funding from Creative New Zealand. Click on the link below for more information.

http://www.chambermusic.co.nz

_____________________________________________________________________

27.51
HAND IT OVER

If you loved Cirque Eloize in 2001 and The Junebug Symphony at last year's International Festival of the Arts then you must see this latest circus to come out of Canada.
 
In the multi-media contemporary circus show by the award-winning, young French-Canadian troupe The 7 Fingers (all former Cirque de Soleil members), the imagination is the jet-fuelled vehicle of travel, and the strange lands visited are the dreams, desires and follies of the characters themselves as they strip down layer by layer.
 
Confined to one space, the roommates get to know one another at increasingly intimate levels, each with their own moment (hilarious at times, melancholy at others) of truth. Chaos, anarchy and romance ensure. With a live DJ (Montreal's DJ "Pocket"), mixing the eclectic score, from swing to rap to techno to tango, and occasionally performing live vocals alongside other members of the cast, plus video projections and audience interaction, this is a show to delight eight to 80 years olds

Marhc 2 to 6
St James Theatre, Wellington
http://www.stjames.co.nz/home.html
http://www.stjames.co.nz/home.html

______________________________________________________________________

27.52
THE NO.8 WIRE: PAST AND PRESENT

Archives of the No. 8 Wire are on-line at
www.arts.blogspot.com

______________________________________________________________

27.53
CONTACT THE NO.8 WIRE

To be removed from this email list…

To be added…

To submit contents, events, opportunities, or comments to contribute to…

Please send word to arts@wcc.govt.nz

Furthermore, 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
Arts@wcc.govt.nz

_____________________________________________________________

THE NO. 8 WIRE INTERVIEW CONTINUES

The Octo-numerical Query
We pose a batch of questions.
A creative person answers.
http://www.octonumerical.blogspot.com/

IAN JORGENSEN

What cities/towns have you lived in (or spent more than a few months in), beginning with your place of birth.

Born. Papakura, Auckland. Lived in Johnsonville, Wellington from the age of 6 months to 17. Flatted in various suburbs around Wellington and the inner city until 25. Currently living in Newtown, Wellington.

What are the earliest stories you remember hearing?

God knows.

What music was present and still memorable from your youth/adolescence?

I was obsessed with Simple Minds in the eighties, collected all their albums and any thing Simple Minds that I could lay my hands on. I was a huge 80s & early 90s pop fan. My favourite other artists were Billy Joel and MC Hammer. I still listen to Simple Minds, but now listen to their earlier stuff that came out in like 81-83 when I was too young to appreciate it. Anything they did past 1993 was horse shit anyway.

For you as a creative person, who are three influential artists or thinkers?

I'm a big fan of David Bailey and I feel cliche, but Andy Warhol, more for his involvement in The Velvet Underground, not so much his "pop art". Only photographers that have really inspired me are contemporary artists; Ami Barwell, music photographer from the UK is quite simply the most incredible photographer I have seen, taking live music photography beyond simple editorial coverage. I also really dug a lot of Anton Corbijn's work in the 90s.

What is your dream of happiness?

What I'm doing now, but breaking even and spending more time with my girlfriend.

Who are your favourite or most admired figures from history?

Stanley Kubrick and Ansel Adams.

Name three films that you consider profound, moving, or extraordinary.

City of God, Gleaming the Cube (this was so moving for a die hard skateboarder at the time), The Castle.

What was your first real job? second? third?

I wouldn't call it a job. I worked at Camera House for around 6 years until 1999. That was my one and only real job. Taking photos of bands isn't work.

If you had to eat the same meal every day, what would it be?

I already do. Butter Chicken or Chicken Tikka Masala from Daawat in Manners Mall. $8.95 including Rice and naan. Either that, or the Burgers from Paradise Seafoods in Island Bay.

Name a few books that you couldn't put down, would read again, haunt
you still.

I don't read, seriously. I used to read in the eighties. Last book I remember reading was 2001, a space odyssey. I find reading takes away from the time I have to write, ironically, unless I find time to read, I can't improve my writing, and I don't have time to read because I am trying to improve my writing. If I read, I would also know if this was Ironic or not, I'm just guessing, it’s probably just moronic.

What have you done, seen, experienced, or produced that was a
disappointment to you?

I booked a band to support at three shows on one of my tours without seeing them on the recommendation of some friends... they were embarrassingly terrible, and I had to cringe and cover my head in shame each time they played for three shows.

What was the most recent live performance you attended, and where was it presented?

A gig of local bands at Bodega on Saturday past. A Tsunami relief fundraiser. I went along to see two bands I'd heard good things about, but hadn't had the chance to see them live.

In one sentence, can you define art?

Whatever the fuck the artist wants it to be.

What word of advice would you offer an aspiring artist in your field?

Learn to talk out your ass and be prepared to not make any money for a long, long, long time.

Where would you like to live, but have yet to?

Stockholm. Have been obsessed with this city of islands ever since I jokingly referenced it in an article I wrote and then researched it.

What would you like to do, but have yet to?

Pay my rent.

Briefly describe a project you are planning for the future.

Ixnay on the plansay, until the fundingsay come throughay.

What one question would you add to this Query?

What is your proudest artistic achievement/endeavour?


BIOGRAPHICAL SKETCH

I went to school at Onslow College, though the photography department there didn't do shit for me. I spent 2 months at Wellington Polytechnic but dropped out because the course was too broad and I thought fundamentally wrong in churning out people with inflated egos and no real world idea. I decided just to give it a go, no qualifications.

After working in photographic retail for years, I bit the bullet and started trying to shoot professionally, after shooting portraits, weddings, real estate I finally took the gamble and just exclusively shot what I loved most: bands and fashion. After several years I started putting out a xeroxed 'zine of my favourite band photos, this zine developed a cult following.

After 7 xeroxed issues, I took the step to making it offset printed with a CD every month. I also took the mad step of releasing it every month with a nationwide tour by a different band. The magazine, A LOW HUM, is notoriously difficult to get. I like it that way. I am the editor and as a failure of 5th form English, terrible at my job. I make no money, yet have a hell of a good time travelling around the country every month taking my favourite bands on tour and then printing my favourite photos in a magazine that people really appreciate and see as a breath of fresh air.

Keeping my integrity, I don't sell advertising and I only have bands in the magazine whom I like. I love what I do, but will stop doing it soon because there are plenty of other things I want to try and there is not enough time in the day!!

CONTACT

www.blink.net.nz
www.alowhum.com

_______________________________________________________________

Dream and struggle
Desire and love