Overview
Brush up on your contemporary art talking points and start reading up on gallery etiquette, this year’s Auckland Artweek is almost upon us. Taking place in over one hundred public and private galleries, artist-run spaces and pop-up galleries from October 10 - 18, Artweek is an eight day bender of gallery hopping, Segway riding, artist talks and creative madness.
Late Night Art
If you ever suffer from FOMO - and as a millennial I’d be surprised if you don’t - this is the one night of Artweek you don’t want to miss. For one night, the Auckland creative scene will be buzzing (well, more so than usual). Live art, late night hours at galleries, creative events, street food, the list goes on. Get off work an hour early or put down that textbook and call it a night, you’re going to need the full four hours to get through everything.
When: Tuesday, October 13
Where: Central City
How much: Free
Artist Talks
There are a huge number of artist talks this Auckland Artweek; prepare to have your mind blown, your ears ringing and your inspiration running wild. From jewellers to musicians, poets to painters, there is something for all kinds of art appreciators. UK born, New Zealand-based artist PJ Paterson will present new photographs and paintings that explore the real and imagined consequences of political and economic overreach; Rebecca Heap will give insight into glass blowing; accomplished artist and Paramount Prize winner James Robinson will give a floor talk and poetry performance at Seed Gallery; and singer-songwriter turned artist Sam RB will share some words of wisdom about her newfound discipline.
And that’s just the beginning, check out the full list of artist talks via the Artweek website.
When: Saturday, October 10 - Sunday, October 18
Where: Various locations around the city
How much: Free
Artweek by Cycle
They say that riding is one of the best ways to explore a city and a leisurely weekend ride around Auckland sounds like a perfect way to enjoy this burst of sunshine we’ve been seeing. It’s also the best way to gallery hop. Riding is always better in packs so pump up your tyres and get your bike Artweek ready, don’t feel left out if you are without wheels, Auckland Transport has you covered. There’s six tours over the week all exploring different neighbourhoods so plenty of opportunity to take in all the art your heart desires.
When: Various dates and times through the week
Where: Ponsonby, Krd, Newmarket, Waterfront, Parnell
How much: Free
Street Loves Nana
One for all ages, an ode to all of the nanas out there, the one’s with their knitting needles tucked into their handbag on the bus, the TV dinner darner and the crochet queen. This is your invitation to be a part of the magic, working alongside a bunch of street artists to stitch yourself a part of a 12-metre long fence of embroidered street art.
Where: Britomart Transport Centre
When: 10 - 18 October, 3pm - 6pm daily. Late night on Tuesday 13th.
How much: Free
Art of the Table
The resident table stylist and florist from sustainably-focussed kitchen, florist and grocer will be here to save you from your dinner table disasters this Artweek. Art of the Table is a hands-on workshop on how to create your own table-top posy arrangements using seasonal blooms. There will be the opportunity to discuss antiques and fine china over afternoon tea delights including cake, petit fours, tea and coffee. Yum. No experience is necessary and all tools and flowers are provided, so all you need to do is show up. Plus, your floral creations are yours to take home.
When: Sunday, October 18
When: Scarecrow
How much: $52
The Great Mugging
Do you ever look at your morning coffee, steaming away in its disposable cup and think about just how that cup came to be, or the impact it will have on the environment when you throw it away afterwards. Probably not. To wake you up from your 21st century slumber, pottery enthusiasts the Auckland Studio Potters will be stationed all around the city, near your favourite cafes, to swap that environmental disaster for a one of a kind, handmade ceramic mug.
When: Saturday 10 October, 9am
Where: Various venues
How much: Free
Segway to the Arts
There’s a bunch of transport options for you to enjoy during Artweek this year, but did you ever think a Segway would be one of them? Nope, didn’t think so. Well, now that your mind is sufficiently blown, how about signing yourself up for the Devonport Arts Trail Segway Tour? The daily tours include an hour-and-a-half round trip of the art installations in Devonport, with enough time to have a browse around the waterfront and a “blast in the park” to put your Segway through its paces and take it up to max speed.
When: Various times and dates
Where: Devonport
How much: $60 - 70
The SaVAge K’lub Inaugural High Tea
It wouldn’t be a high tea without an indulgent spread, and it certainly wouldn’t be high tea without the tea. The SaVAge K’lub’s interpretation of the traditional afternoon tea experience is taking place in K’rd's creative home: St Kevin’s Arcade. Yes, there will be an array of sumptuous treats on offer to fill that empty spot in your stomach and exotic tea will be brewed. However, those might be the only markings of a traditional high tea, so don’t come expecting anything other than the finest in creative expression.
The event is promised as a lively afternoon featuring "a variety of artful and literary entertainments."
When: Saturday 17 October
Where: St Kevins Arcade
How much: Free