Concrete Playground's Picks For Auckland Artweek

It's that time again when all the creatives of Auckland have excitedly begun counting down the days. Artweek takes place from October 8 - 16, consisting of nine straight days of gallery hopping, innovative live performances, pop-up stalls and much more. From cycle tours to tattoo performances, this year's quick guide to Artweek will get you slashing dates on the calendar.

The Woolgatherer's Collection

Emma Wallbanks presents a surrealist still life by moving between the mediums; sculpture, photography and installation of found and crafted objects. The Woolgatherer's Collection is an excerpt from a larger project. Completing her postgraduate degree in sculpture, Wallbanks unconventionality installs objects to reveal them for their subjectivity. Let yourself be enticed into a dreamlike state through the juxtaposition of everyday objects that provide a twisted perspective of the contemporary world.

When: 26 August – 17 October
Where: Corner Window Gallery, 478 Karangahape Road
How much: Free

Artweek by Cycle

BYO bike or borrow one as the cycling tour will cruise you through some of Auckland's most arty and eclectic spots. This is a great chance show off your bike's new paint job, woven baskets, or any other quirky cycling gadgets you sport while getting your art kicks. There's only 21 spaces on each of the six tours, so make sure you get in quick and make a booking.

When: Various dates and times through the week
Where: Ponsonby, Krd, Newmarket, Waterfront, Parnell
How much: Free

Are You Really Here?

Kiwis are renowned for their body art, maybe it has something to do with our Pacific and Māori lineage with the tattooing traditions, or simply we've just got a serious love for ink. For those who dabble, and even those who don't, tattoo artist Joshua Solomon may leave a lasting impression on you. Solomon's designs often stimulate a social commentary through honest, but also challenging imagery. With the use of videography, painting and the making of objects, his performance during Artweek will take these ideas to new and exciting levels.

When: 8 - 16 October
Where: Unit A206, 44 Courthouse Lane, Chancery
How much: Free

Emerging Pixels #6

Coming back for round six, Digital Art Live presents a handful of young digital artists to present their interactive works. This year's Emerging Pixels explores stories of Māori wāhine during the First World War, virtual musical creations and a compilation of hypnotic patterns and colours. Celebrating the world of technology, this is the kind of gig where you won't be frowned upon if you want to take a cheeky selfie, gram it, then share on your timeline.

When: Various times
Where: Level 2, Aotea Square
How much: Free

House and Home

Collections are important, and we don't mean that pile you've accumulated under your bed or those childhood toys you just can't bare to get rid of. We're talking about some serious collections here (and yes, there is a difference). So come along to receive advice for personal collections, how to look after your inventory, as well as a guided tour through House and Home: Domestic Life in New Zealand exhibition. So if you don't live a minimalist lifestyle, make sure to pop long to the Central City library for more information.

When: Wednesday 12 October 6pm - 7pm 
Where: Central City Library, 44/46 Lorne Street
How much: Free

Tonight I Am The Winter Winds (2.0)

Tonight I Am The Winter Winds (2.0) presents a conflict between the traditional and the contemporary through an audio and video installation. The threat of the modernising world underpins this installation with particular reference to the Waihorotiu stream and the taniwha Horotiu. The visual elements of the show are accompanied by an orchestral score that is remixed with synths and electronic elements to provide a dark and modern filmic experience.

When: 8 - 16 October
Where: Basement Theatre, Lower Greys Avenue
How much: Free

Sacred Economies

Two of the best things, poetry and art, are the focus at Malcolm Street Gallery on October 13. Here a group of creatives are brought together to perform a written piece of poetry. These performances will be in response to a piece of work showing at the exhibition Sacred Economies. So get ready to have the wordsmiths Makyla Curtis, Erena Johnson, Melanie Rands, Chris Tse, Richard von Sturmer along with more, woo you with every letter of the alphabet.

When: Thursday 13 October, 6.30pm
Where: Malcolm Smith Gallery, 35 Uxbridge Road, Howick
How much: $5