World’s first Festival of Transitional Architecture

(FESTA)

Christchurch to launch the world’s first Festival of Transitional Architecture

10 October 2012

Media Release: Festival of Transitional Architecture

For immediate release

FESTA - Festival of Transitional Architecture

20-28 October 2012

Christchurch

This Labour Weekend, 350 architecture and design students from around the country will descend on Christchurch to kick-off the inaugural Festival of Transitional Architecture (FESTA).

For several months the students have been collaborating with local businesses and arts organisations towards FESTA’s opening night event, LUXCITY, on Saturday 20 October. Against the backdrop of the quiet and desolate central city this innovative ‘city made from light’ will emerge from the darkness.

Sixteen projects that use light as their principle medium will create a space for a variety of urban functions: cafes, bars, live music and performance, a fashion event and a night market. Thanks to some generous help from demolition and construction companies, cranes and other heavy machinery used to demolish the city will be transformed into architecture for the creation of LUXCITY. Local partners filling the light installations include Cassels Brewery, The Darkroom, Richard Till, White Elephant Trust, Black Betty’s, Volstead, Pure Pulp, Fledge, Infinite Definite, The Twisted Hop, Beach Bar, Lyttelton Coffee Company, P.O.D. and C4. The people of Canterbury and beyond are warmly invited to join us for a night of light to fill the city with life and activity.

LUXCITY will be followed by a series of public workshops and events that make up the rest of the Festival’s programme, including on-site tours around prominent transitional projects with the people behind them.

Festival director Jessica Halliday believes this will be the first of many such events to inform and learn from the extraordinary Christchurch situation: “The local community is craving active participation in the creative process of building their city. Harnessing the creative ethos of collaboration, Christchurch can become the engaged and engaging city we all want it to be.”

FESTA has received funding from Creative New Zealand, the Christchurch City Council (through its support of the Gap Filler Charitable Trust) and the Todd Foundation.

“Christchurch has a unique opportunity to combine art, architecture and performance to create a entertaining and welcoming place for residents and visitors. FESTA will help focus local, national and international attention on Christchurch as a world-leader in innovative urban design,” said Creative New Zealand senior adviser (Canterbury Earthquake) Chris Herbert.

ENDS

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