Overview
Performance Art Week Aotearoa (PAWA) is touching down in Wellington for 2023, featuring incredible acts from across the globe in a celebration of art where anything can happen.
From Wednesday, November 1–Sunday, November 5, PAWA will spread art throughout the capital, showcasing performance artworks in public spaces, as well as the Adam Art Gallery at Victoria University's Kelburn Campus. Alongside these displays, Wellingtonians will have the opportunity to peek behind the curtain of the performance art world through a series of discussions, panels and workshops.
The festival lineup includes both local and international artists, including former lawyer Layne Waerea, whose performances focus on the continued impact of Tiriti o Waitangi on the development of Aotearoa; Val Smith, whose work explores socio-political dimensions of being queer and trans; and Korean artist EunSun Heo, who aims to connect emotionally with her audience with one key theme throughout her work: water.
Attendees are encouraged to expect the unexpected when it comes to performance art and absorb each act with an open mind. This isn't your typical art festival, with some performances running all day or experienced one-on-one. Prepare to be immersed, questioned and dazzled by the beauty of performance art.
If you can't make it to Wellington for this very special weekend, don't worry. PAWA will also be hitting the road, with international performance artists appearing in Hamilton, Christchurch and Dunedin.
The full lineup of artists will be announced on Performance Art Week Aotearoa's website on Saturday, September 30, with tickets available to purchase on the same day. Most events are free, but some will have a small cost of $15–25.
Performance Art Week Aotearoa will run between Wednesday, November 1–Sunday, November 5. Head to the festival website for more info.