Overview & Welcome

Welcome to Auckland Arts Festival - Nau mai haere mai ki Te Ahurei Toi O Tamaki Makaurau.

The Auckland Arts Festival is Auckland's premier festival of New Zealand and international arts. Presented biennially, the globally-recognised event celebrates people and culture, and showcases the unrivalled location and landscape, cultural diversity and vibrant energy of New Zealand's largest city.

Since the inaugural event in 2003, the Auckland Arts Festival has welcomed over a million attendees. For 19 magical days in March, Auckland Arts Festival 2013 will bring the Auckland region to life once again with creations from some of the country's most innovative artists and performers alongside a sensational assemblage of internationals.

 

A message from David, Carla and Victoria....

A festival is a moment in time that will never happen again. It is a celebration and an occasion to come together as a community to share in the spirit and creativity of many artists.

The Auckland Arts Festival is unique; offering a very specific cultural moment that could only happen here in Tāmaki Makaurau, with artists from here and around the motu, as well as the world beyond.  They speak about their place, their history, their ideas and their future - and ours.  At Auckland Arts Festival they share this with all of us.

And you as audience members get to immerse yourselves in an adventure of your own choosing.  We invite you to read the programme brochure, treasure its twists and turns, and explore what is on offer.   You can learn more about the artists and their creations by attending pre- or post-performance talks.  Concerts and shows with talks are indicated by a microphone icon.

We trust that you find something in the programme that you will love, and we also hope you take a risk on something you have never heard of.  Jump out of your comfort zone - you never know what adventures you could have.

Laugh till you cry at a fool with two bosses, be amazed by the glitter of light and the appearance of a new volcano,  honour our heroes, drink a dram of whiskey with some Scots, be 20-something in Beijing, listen to the languages of music and dance, scream when the acrobat almost misses the chair in the air, share the hopes and dreams of our children, watch milk bottles being annihilated, walk the streets of Auckland in a new way, be part of the whānau in a stella line-up of New Zealand work, listen to the music of a visionary composer who more than 50 years ago told us all we need to know about man's inhumanity to man, and the music of another man in a different continent whose music was a freedom cry for equality;  take time to be part of the Auckland Arts Festival and Everything will be Ka Pai.

Thanks to the many artists involved. Your heart and courage to make work; work that stretches our imaginations, challenges us to think, makes us laugh and brings us to tears is the most important gift that you can offer us all.

The Festival Staff and Board have been amazing and worked above and beyond.

Thank you to all the funders, sponsors, patrons and supporters whose generosity lets us bring the work of great artists to audiences across this wonderful city of ours.

Homai te paki paki and a huge cheer for Auckland Council whose support enables this Festival to happen, and to Creative NZ for their investment in New Zealand work.

Put the dates in your diary 6 - 24 March, read the rest of the programme and don't forget to look for the heart icon for family friendly shows.  Book your tickets for a great adventure.

Carla van Zon, Artistic Director
David Inns, Chief Executive
Victoria Carter, Chair