Asian Aotearoa Arts Hui 2018

Asian Aotearoa Arts Hui 2018

Date: 03 August 2018

A gathering of New Zealand’s leading Asian creative practitioners will take place in Wellington, this coming September 2018. Groundbreaking artists and writers such as Yuk King Tan, Tame Iti, Kerry Ann Lee, and Simon Kaan will all be in attendance. Creatives from all genres, levels of experience and cultural backgrounds are encouraged to participate in the exciting programme that will explore, celebrate, and showcase diverse arts practices.

The Hui’s energetic acronym (AAAH 2018) is an apt metaphor for Aotearoa in the 21st Century, as the country is undergoing change, growth and discovery. The Māori word ‘hui’ (meeting) shares a similar meaning to the Chinese word or ‘huì’, which means ‘to converge’.

Following on from previous Hui in 2013 and 2017, the conference and public programme for 2018 in Wellington will be the biggest gathering yet. This Hui will contribute to national conversations about arts, culture and identity, facilitate cross-cultural connections and support cultural wellbeing.

Key highlights of the programme:

1. Festival programme - (1-23 Sep) www.aaah.org.nz
exhibitions, workshops and events throughout the city and on Massey campus
2. Launch event at Te Papa Tongarewa (2 Sep)
Join us to celebrate our rich Aotearoa-Asian arts and culture, with an evening of short talks and entertainments spread throughout Te Papa’s new Toi Art galleries
3. AAAH symposia at Te Papa Sat 22 - Sun 23 Sep

Key organisations have recognised the importance of this Hui, and have stepped up in support:

4. MASSEY CoCA
5. TE PAPA TONGAREWA
6. TOI PŌNEKE ARTS CENTRE
7. WELLINGTON CITY COUNCIL
8. WELLINGTON ACCESS RADIO

Quotes:
Ever since Appo Hocton jumped ship in NZ in 1842, Asians have been part of the NZ story. It's important that we step up to tell this story in our own voices now.
Playwright, Poet and Paediatrician, Renee Liang MNZM



“This timely convergence of creative and critical thinkers, doers, and producers seeks to ‘break the ice’ and make Asian New Zealand art and culture more visible and accessible.”
Senior Lecturer at Massey College of Creative Arts, Kerry Ann Lee


“The 21st century has been dubbed ‘the Asian century”. This Hui is an exciting step in the direction of where Aotearoa is going.”
Visual Artist and Event Producer of the Auckland Lantern Festival, Eric Ngan


This hui is a chance to celebrate the artists who give voice to the tangle of diverse cultures, ethnicities, and experiences that make up Aotearoa's Asian population."
Curator and Writer, Emma Ng

Notes to Editor
Confirmed creatives attending: Yuk King Tan. Tame Iti. Kerry Ann Lee. Simon Kaan. Emma Ng. Eric Ngan. Kim Lowe. Vera Mey. Ant Sang. Lynda Chanwai Earle.
And more to be announced...

Other themes and subjects to be tabled at the symposium
Contribute to national conversations about arts, culture and identity
Facilitate cross-cultural connections and support cultural wellbeing
Recognise Chinese New Zealand settlement history
Recognise cross-cultural relationships with Māori, Pasifika, Pākeha and other migrant communities
Support emerging and established Asian New Zealand arts practitioners
Use creativity to involve, engage and educate the wider public
Encourage a culture of conversation that will grow beyond AAAH 2018

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