20 April 2006

Living Room reveals skeletons in the closet

The forgotten history of New Zealand's most influential "living room" will be brought to life with the next installation in the Living Room series, Skeletons in the Closet.

Skeletons in the Closet is a series of nine text and photographic installations relating to Auckland's history that will be on display along Queen Street from 20 April.

The installation revisits significant Auckland historical events including the 1913 Waterfront Strikes, the 1932 Depression Riots and the first execution by the Crown. It also looks at Auckland's geographical past, marking out Auckland's original shoreline as well as Waihorotiu Stream, which used to flow where Queen Street is today.

Skeletons in the Closet will also feature a special video installation that will run for two weeks from 3 May. The film, by Mairi Gunn, features footage of the Thomas Doo building on Hobson Street being demolished. It will be projected from 35 High Street on to the adjacent building's wall.

Skeletons in the Closet is curated by Simon Marler, who has had a long involvement with heritage and arts issues in Auckland.

Mr Marler says the installation plays on the title of the Living Room series and the significance of Auckland's past for New Zealand.

"The living room is the part of the home where family life unfolds in all its multitude of joys and sorrows. The history of the family, both hidden and celebrated, determines the culture of family," says Mr Marler.

A map detailing the nine sites of the Skeletons in the Closet installation is available from www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/cbd

Skeletons in the Closet is part of Living Room, a series of installations and activities funded by the CBD targeted rate that seeks to enliven the CBD's public spaces.

Other happenings taking place in the CBD as part of the Living Room series include Proverbial Auckland, Morning Tea, Axminster, Multicultimedia, Living Lamps, Pallet Maze and Musical Bus Stops.

The Living Room series is funded from the CBD targeted rate and is a key action from Auckland's CBD Into the future strategy, which aims to transform Auckland's CBD into one of the world's most vibrant and dynamic business and cultural centres.

For more details on the Living Room 'happenings' or the CBD strategy, visit http://www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/cbd

Skeletons in the Closet sites:

Site 1: The 1913 Waterfront Strikes - the 'Specials' - Corner of Symonds Street and Karangahape Road

Site 2: Jim Edwards and the Depression Riots - Aotea Square steps, Queen Street

Site 3: Ngati Whatua - Entrance to Aotea Square gateway, Queen Street

Site 4: First Execution by the Crown - Corner Queen Street and Victoria Street West)

Site 5: The 1913 Strikes and the I.W.W - 214-220 Queen Street

Site 6: The Quarried Volcano - Corner High Street and Victoria Street East

Site 7: The Lake and Waihorotiu Stream - Corner Queen Street and Victoria Street East

Site 8: His Majesty's Theatre - 171 Queen Street

Site 9: The Original Shoreline - 66 Queen Street and 93 Queen Street

ENDS

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