The Living Bridge

For Immediate Release
"THE LIVING BRIDGE": Media Release, 20.8.12
THE LIVING BRIDGE is a multi-media exhibition linking contemporary Tibetan, New Zealand and International participants in Dunedin for 2012. It takes place at the Community Gallery, 20 Princes Street. Opening Reception is at 6 pm on Friday, 31 August and the event continues through Sunday, 9 September. Gallery Hours - Weekdays: 10 - 6 / Sat. & Sun: 12 - 5.

THE LIVING BRIDGE features Ven. Lhagon Rinpoche (Tibetan Masks & Sculpture), Ven. Geshe Jampa Tenzin (Dharma Talk), Ven. Geshe Nyima Dorjee (Talk/Workshop), Ven. Losang Thutop (Tibetan Silk Appliqué), Ven. Losang Konchok (Digital Imagery), Ngodup Lama (Painting / Sculpture), Ven. Pema Letho (Digital Image), Tenzin Thupwang (Painting), Terris Temple (Digital Image), Ven. Ani Kunzang (Tibetan Script), Ilona Buscher (Printmaking), Kate Clapham-Dorjee (History), Jay Clarkson (Video Installation), Simone Clunie (Ceramics), Sandie den Dulk (Music/Instrument), James Dignan (Music), April Dolkar (Painting/Photography), Prof. William Dunning (Tibet Photos, 1940's), David Eggleton (Poetry), Alastair Galbraith (Music), Dagmar I. Glausnitzer-Smith (Installation), Pamela Gordon (Poetry), Alan Haig (Photography), Ed Higbee (Photography), Chrissie Jackson (Photography), Bruce McKinney (Installation), David Merritt (Poems), Hollace M. Metzger (Multi-media), Grant Ramsay (Music), Karin Reid (Music), Lori Malkabeth Robbins (Photography), Matthew Robertson (Poetry/Music), Sapna Samant (Film), Jampa Stuart (Painting/Media), Orchid Tierney (Poetry), Lorna Watkins-Dooley (Painting/Photography), Trish Wilson (Photography), The Tibetan Dance Troupe with Jessica Latton, and more. While most of the diverse participants are from New Zealand, eight are from Tibet and the Himalayan region, five are originally from the States, one is from Germany and one is from France. All have shared their ideas as a response to "The Living Bridge".

The ten-day event creates a living infrastructure for arts that have crossed over to New Zealand shores. Arts, poetry, music, talks and workshops will be shared to honour Tibet's unique culture, promote understanding and appreciate its influence in New Zealand.

Tibetan art has its original roots in India 2500 years ago. The first examples of Buddhist art in Tibet were produced at the time of King Songtsen Gampo (608-649 AD). In Tibetan history, the Mahasiddha Thangtong Gyalpo (b. 1385) was the first bridge builder, who created 108 suspension bridges throughout Tibet to ensure travelers’ safe crossing to the other shore. This renowned yogi, physician, architect and inventor is also regarded as the Father of the Tibetan drama tradition. For this event, Dunedin's Tibetan Dance Troupe has re-formed, and will premiere traditional dance at the Opening Reception. Tibetan costumes and opera masks are part of the varied display.

A unique cultural bridge has been crossed, bringing ancient arts to our contemporary world, while our internal bridge links us to its positive influences for our region & environment. Donations will be raised for Tibetan Refugee Settlement / Support Groups.

Gracious Thanks for support from the DCC / CNZ Creative Communities Scheme, Tibetan Arts & Culture, The Dhargyey Buddhist Centre (Dunedin / Christchurch), The Tibet Coalition, Students for a Free Tibet, Friends of Tibet, Italia-Tibet Association, Amnesty International & the Organisation for Global Nonviolent Action.

THE LIVING BRIDGE: Daily Events Schedule / Calendar Listings

THE LIVING BRIDGE: 31 Aug - 9 Sept
Community Gallery, 20 Princes St, Dunedin
Gallery Hours: Sat & Sun 12 - 5 / Weekdays 10 - 6

Opening Reception: Friday, 31 Aug. at 6 pm
The Tibetan Dance Troupe
Sandie den Dulk plays the Purerehua

Saturday, 1 Sept:
"Tendrel: The Principle of Interdependence" Geshe Jampa Tenzin, 1 pm (Dharma Talk)
Ngodup Lama, Clay Sculpture Demonstration, 2 pm
Grant Ramsay, Music, 3 pm
Orchid Tierney, Poetry Reading, 3:30 pm
Karin Reid & Friends, Music, 4 pm

Sunday, 2 Sept:
"Cultivating Inner Happiness" Geshe Nyima Dorjee, 1 pm
Tibetan Printmaking Demonstration, 2 pm
Matthew Robertson & Friends, Poetry with Music, 3 pm

Monday, 3 Sept:
Pamela Gordon & David Eggleton, Poetry at Noon

Thursday, 6 Sept:
James Dignan ~ Music at Noon

Friday, 7 Sept:
Alastair Galbraith ~ Music at Noon
Writing Tibetan Script, Ven. Ani Kunzang, 2 pm

Saturday, 8 Sept:
Writing Tibetan Script, Ven. Ani Kunzang, 2 pm
"Tibetan Settlement in New Zealand", Kate Clapham-Dorjee, 2 pm (Cultural History Talk)
"Current Situation in Tibet", Students for Free Tibet, 3 pm (Talk)

Sunday, 9 Sept:
Closing Dedication, 1 pm (Final Gathering / End of Show)
"Bridging Ceremony, Dunedin to Portobello*": 2 pm ~
*Group leaves gallery for Portobello Marina & Stupa ~ in 2 Parts:
Pt. 1 ~ "Tsethar: Animal Release to Save Lives, at Portobello Marina
Pt. 2 ~ "Auspicious Blessings": Prayer Flag Event at the Stupa

Schedule of Events / Updates: http://aprildolkar.wordpress.com/the-living-bridge/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/415448705168488/
Interview ~ http://www.ch9.co.nz/content/nightly-interview-april-dolkar

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