Media Release
31 January 2012

Art Exchange to Help Mangere Children

An artists’ collective is running an inspiring exhibition that aims to help Mangere children this winter.

The new project called SEEK, encourages people to donate pre-loved children’s winter clothing, in exchange for an original artwork.

The project, organised by artists James Ormsby, Dion Hitchens and Bill Riley, will exhibit at Auckland Council’s Mangere Arts Centre (Ngā Tohu o Uenuku).

Working with the idea of generosity, the artists have asked the community to donate winter clothes and shoes for the children of Mangere. These clothes will be then repackaged and form part of the exhibition.

“This is a great way to support the local community, participate in an exhibition and receive an original artwork,” says the Mangere Arts Centre’s Visual Arts Manager, James Pinker.

“It’s a fun project for the community to get involved in, but it also has a serious side. The artists want to draw attention to child poverty and increase engagement in the issue through their artworks.”

“The focus for this work is primarily on the exchange between the Mangere Arts Centre – Ngā Tohu o Uenuku, and the community,” says artist Dion Hitchens.

“The work will present as a large pixel-like sculpture and include 1500 drawings. We will also produce a series of beautifully re-packed clothing and shoes, as well as a wall that offers the Mangere community an opportunity to draw on it.”

Alongside the Mangere Arts Centre, two other major galleries have offered to act as drop-off points for donated clothes, Te Tuhi in Pakuranga and the Auckland Art Gallery - Toi o Tamaki.

The SEEK exhibition will take place at the Mangere gallery from 3 March to 15 April. Artwork will be provided to participants following the exhibition.

Donations must be received by 20 February.

ENDS

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