Aroha Art Project

School groups are invited to be part of this project and have their work woven into our net of aroha. Contact schools@aaf.co.nz before Sunday 14 February to express your interest and find out more.

Download the process flyer HERE to read more about the techniques, materials and dimensions of the work.

What is aroha? What does it look like? How does it feel? Who and what do you and your communities care about?

Weaving together contributions from schools, kura, aged-care facilities, community and cultural organisations around the region, this large-scale collaborative art project asks the people of Auckland to reflect on what our 2021 theme, Aroha, means to them.

Inspired by traditional weaving practices and using only found materials, Aroha Art Project will bind our individual and collective expressions into an expanding work of art to be displayed at the heart of the Festival, in Aotea Square.

In times of challenge, creative collaboration can calm, heal and connect, providing new opportunities for reflection and thought. Harness your creative flair and delve into what aroha means to you, in the context of our three sub-themes:

Aroha ki ngā kōrero / respect for our stories
Aroha ki te tangata / show kindness, compassion, goodwill towards people
Aroha ki te taiao / caring for our natural environment – air, land, water

Make with us
Auckland Arts Festival are holding several artist-led Maker workshops leading up to and during the Festival. Next up, Auckland Arts Festival and Te Uru Waitākere Contemporary Gallery will host an open making session with Auckland artist Louise Keen, who stitches recycled clothing, plastic and other found materials into her works.

Venue: Te Uru Waitākere Contemporary Gallery Education Room
Date: Sunday 20 February
Time: 1–4pm
Who: FREE, all welcome