Formerly known as Auckland Festival, Auckland Arts Festival or Te Ahurei Toi o Tāmaki Makaurau is an annual arts and cultural festival held in Auckland, New Zealand. The Festival features works from New Zealand, the Pacific, Asia and beyond, including world premieres of new works and international performing arts events.
History
The first Auckland Festival of the Arts was held in 1953, prior to that had been four annual music festivals. A bigger festival was planned due to Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation. The festival continued annually until the 1980s and the last one was in 1982.[1] In September 2003 the inaugural event of the “new” Auckland Festival happened. Subsequently the dates were moved to March and festivals were held in 2005, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2013, and 2015 before going annual in March 2016. The 13th Auckland Arts Festival will take place 3-21 March 2021.[2] Shona McCullagh is the artistic director from 2021 - 2024 taking over from Jonathan Bielski.[3]
The Festival is run by an independent not for profit trust, the Auckland Festival Trust. It is principally funded by Auckland City Council.[4]
Programme
The festivals main objectives are to engage Aucklanders in the arts, to support New Zealand art and artists, and to reflect what is unique about Auckland.[5] Its program features many events including dance, music, cabaret, burlesque, theatre, ballet, visual arts, film, and public forums, occupying most of Auckland's theatres, galleries and concert halls.
Festival Directors
| Year | Artistic Director |
|---|---|
| 2002 | Mike Mizrahi & Marie Adams |
| 2003-2004 | Simon Prast |
| 2005-2011 | David Malacari |
| 2011-2017 | Carla van Zon |
| 2018-2020 | Jonathan Bielski |
| 2021- | Shona McCullagh [MNZM] |
References
- ^ Hill, Marguerite (5 Aug 2016). "Celebrations and centenaries, 1930s to 1950s". Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand. New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage Te Manatu Taonga. Retrieved 2021-02-02.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "Shona McCullagh in conversation with Indira Stewart". First Up. Radio New Zealand National. 2020. Retrieved 2020-05-20.
- ^ Christian, Dionne (2019-11-27). "Auckland Arts Festival names new head". NZ Herald. ISSN 1170-0777. Retrieved 2020-09-20.
{{cite news}}: CS1 maint: url-status (link) - ^ "Auckland Festival". Auckland City. 2007. Archived from the original on 16 May 2008. Retrieved 2008-05-15.
- ^ "About Us". Auckland Festival 2007. 2007. Archived from the original on July 20, 2007. Retrieved 2008-05-15.
External links
- Auckland Arts Festival – official website
- YouTube - 2020 Auckland Arts Festival Highlights
- YouTube - 2013 Auckland Arts Festival Highlights