Major International Arts Partners Back New Zealand Work Premiering At Venice Biennale Danza

AUCKLAND / VENICE / PERTH / SYDNEY / COPENHAGEN — [13/05/2026] — 26 year old Aotearoa choreographer Oli Mathiesen (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Hine, Ngāti Manu) has been selected by acclaimed Artistic Director of Biennale Danza Sir Wayne McGregor as the sole international artist from more than 570 applicants, to premiere a new work at the Biennale Danza 2026 in Venice, one of the world’s most prestigious contemporary dance festivals.

Today, Mathiesen announces the project has now secured major international co-production and commissioning support from a consortium of globally recognised arts organisations, including Auckland Live, Auckland Arts Festival, Perth Festival, Sydney Opera House, and Copenhagen-based Teater V. This major partnership further strengthens the work’s international platform and long-term touring prospects.

In addition, Auckland Live will support the project as venue partner, hosting technical rehearsals ahead of the company’s departure for Italy in mid-July.

In his curatorial statement, McGregor described Mathiesen’s work as “radical practice [that] confronts and envelops,” describing Just Between Me and Jesus as “a provocatively physical work inspired by club culture and religious imagery, blending queer celebration and critique.”

For Creative Producer Shona McCullagh, the breadth of international support reflects both the ambition of the project and the strength of Mathiesen’s artistic vision.

“Bringing together this group of partners is both extraordinary and energising. Their support allows us to realise the work at a scale that delivers Oli’s vision while remaining deeply connected to its emotional core.

“Presenting the world premiere in Venice is an incredible opportunity to share the work on a truly global stage. We’re deeply grateful to these world-class partners.”

The Venice Biennale Danza is internationally recognised for commissioning bold, future-facing choreographic voices, with past programmes featuring many of the most influential choreographers of recent decades. Mathiesen’s selection signals growing international recognition of Aotearoa’s contemporary dance ecology and the distinctive perspectives emerging from its queer and Māori artists.

For Mathiesen, premiering the work in Venice alongside long-time collaborators carries deep personal significance.

“It is an absolute career-defining honour to be backed and supported by these incredible arts organisations. To have their belief instilled in the creation of the work forms a pou of trust that allows the collaborative team to remain steadfast in this speedy and mammoth journey. I have been fervently investing in building and establishing my relationships in Australia and abroad over my career, believing in the potential and power of our international dance ecology.

Just Between Me and Jesus is an intensely personal work, and to premiere it at Biennale Danza alongside collaborators and partners I’ve long admired is incredibly meaningful.”

Just Between Me and Jesus is an ambitious new performance work exploring faith, intimacy, and personal mythology. Combining physical intensity with a striking visual language, it builds on Mathiesen’s distinctive choreographic voice following earlier works, including The Butterfly Who Flew Into The Rave.

Auckland Live Director Daniel Clarke says the project highlights the growing international recognition of contemporary dance from Aotearoa.

“Auckland Live is proud to support the development of this new dance work by leading New Zealand choreographer, Oli Mathiesen, on the world stage. It is collaborations such as these that are crucial to the development of bold new creative works, and it is testament to Oli’s artistry and vision that so many partners have come on board to ensure that this new dance work is made. Following its international premiere, we look forward to seeing this work shared with audiences in Tāmaki Makaurau and beyond.”

The world premiere of Just Between Me and Jesus takes place at Teatro alle Tese, Venice, on 23–24 July 2026 as part of Biennale Danza, the 20th International Festival of Contemporary Dance.

Despite major international backing, the company is currently undertaking its final fundraising push to bring the cast and creative team from Aotearoa to Venice this July.

Supporters can contribute to helping New Zealand contemporary performance reach one of the world’s most prestigious stages at: olimathiesen.com/biennale

About Oli Mathiesen

Oli Mathiesen is an Aotearoa New Zealand-based choreographer creating original works for national and international stages. He is committed to developing ambitious, globally relevant choreography and fostering long-term international partnerships.

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