Aroha Art Project

Weaving together contributions from communities around the region, this large-scale collaborative art project asks the people of Auckland to reflect on what Aroha, the theme of Auckland Arts Festival 2021, means to them.

Inspired by weaving, stitching and other making 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 from 4–21 March.

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

How to participate
We invite groups of makers, friends, students and other communities to get together and make a thread to add to this collaborative public artwork. Register HERE.

Deliver your creations to us and have them woven into our net of aroha. The full work will be proudly displayed, and added to, in Aotea Square throughout AAF 2021.

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


Make with us
Auckland Arts Festival are holding several artist-led Maker workshops leading up to and during the Festival.

Sunday 7 March, 11.00am–3.00pm, Aotea Square
Workshop with artist Beronia Scott, a recognised Ngāti Whātua weaver within the Mahi Toi world.

Sunday 14 March 11.00am–3.00pm, Aotea Square
Workshop with artist Louise Keen, who stitches recycled clothing, plastic and other found materials into her works.

We’re encouraging people to get creative with materials that might otherwise be binned. Bring your own fabric scraps, a loved but worn-out item, or work with what is provided; share expert stitching skills or come as a beginner and play. All welcome. 

Don't forget to share your work and tag #AAF2021 on Instagram and Twitter!