New Name Heralds New Era for Media Arts Org

MEDIA RELEASE for immediate release
1 March 2007

New Name Heralds a New Era for Leading Media Arts Organisation

Today, New Zealand’s only contemporary creative media and interdisciplinary arts centre marks a new era in its sixteen year history with a new Maori name, to front a raft of changes that have strengthened its position in the cultural landscape of Aotearoa.

Founded in June 1993 as the Moving Image Centre, the name MIC Toi Rerehiko has been chosen to reflect a focus on digital media, experimental art and technology, something which director Deborah Lawler-Dormer believes “is vital for an organization known for its genre-defying artistic practice.” “You can’t expect artists and audiences to flourish if they are restricted by an artform definition” says Lawler-Dormer. She adds “the gifting of this Maori name is a rare honour. It acknowledges our continuing commitment to artistic expression and diversity of NZ artists”

Selected last month to exhibit her work in the prestigious 2007 Venice Biennale, renowned Maori artist Rachael Rakena gifted the name Toi Rerehiko to the organization after spending time with director Deborah Lawler Dormer at ISEA in San Jose in 2006. Rakena coined this Maori name to encompass digital and moving art. Toi Rerehiko is defined as art that employs movement with electricity and flashes of light – that which flies settling momentarily, but leaving no object. (Rakena)

In the last 2 years MIC Toi Rerehiko has experienced an incredible growth period which kicked off in May 2005 when the ASB Community Trust supported their purchase of the multipurpose screen and live performance venue - Galatos. In the short space of a year the organization adapted to demands of managing a late night performance venue alongside their ongoing work in field of digital arts. In July 2006, MIC Toi Rerehiko moved their offices to 321 Karangahape Rd – a space offering with the potential to house a contemporary art gallery. After 9 months preparation the 321 Gallery Space opens its doors to the public on March 10 for the RESTLESS exhibition.

Both Galatos and 321 K’Rd have increased the scope of MIC Toi Rerehiko to present the work of leading national and international digital media artists, filmmakers, VJs, DJs, musicians and sound artists. The completion and upgrade of both venues has created an opportunity to expand the annual programme of exhibitions, live performances, screenings and professional development initiatives which include visits from international artists, symposia and workshops.

As the programme grows and develops MIC Toi Rerehiko continues to nurture its established stable of popular events that include Homegrown (NZ short films premiered at the New Zealand Film Festival since 1995), Shortfuse (regular screenings of NZ short films since 1996), Interdigitate (screen and live performance event held annually and Pollywood (programme of Maori and Pacific Island short films toured annually since 2002).

By bringing together artists from all disciplines MIC Toi Rerehiko supports artistic innovation through collaboration. As a public organisation, MIC supports the work of the independent digital media and film community and presents it to audiences locally and internationally.

For more information and the full programme of events visit www.mic.org.nz

ENDS

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