Arts extravaganza showcases talent

Arts extravaganza showcases talent

Rehearsals are nearing an end, paintings adorn walls, instruments are tuned and it’s time to raise the curtain on the first Arts Festival Out East.

From March 17 to April 5 the arts community from Howick, Pakuranga, Botany and Flat Bush is coming together to show-off the region’s thriving talent.

People can soak up more than 30 events and exhibitions including everything from Shakespeare to cinema and Chinese calligraphy to Māori Poi.

The Uxbridge Sculpture Symposium at Barry Curtis Park, Flat Bush is a highlight of the event, when the park will be transformed to an industrious workshop from Saturday March 31 to Sunday April 1.

Some exhibitions aim to challenge visitors, such as What do you mean we? at Te Tuhi in Pakuranga – whereas others are a fun-filled family day out.

Many events are free and those with affordable ticket prices support established performing arts groups such as Howick Little Theatre, Howick Children and Youth Theatre and Harlequin Musical Theatre.

People can join in, see activities in action and meet the people behind creative workshops at Uxbridge Creative Centre’s open day on Saturday March 17 and Howick Historical Village’s live day on Sunday March 18.

In the lead up to Easter there is a combined churches’ floral art exhibition at St Columba in Botany from March 21 to April 1.

The Crossings Festival convened by All Saints Church in Howick includes a performance at 7pm on Thursday March 29 by leading New Zealand organist and composer Dr John Wells.

He will play a varied programme which highlights the unique qualities of the church’s Croft organ.

Arts Festival Out East is supported by the Howick Local Board and Auckland Council.

Local board deputy chair Adele White says the Howick ward is rich in culture.

“We are fortunate to see this expressed in the form of visual and performing art,” says Ms White.

“Arts Festival Out East celebrates the uniqueness of our people and provides an opportunity for both local residents and visitors to share in what we believe will become an exciting annual event.”

For more information go to www.artsfestivalouteast.org.nz.

ENDS

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