The Foundation supports the presentation of Asian arts in New Zealand to grow Aotearoa audiences’ understanding of and connection with Asian cultures.
The arts project grants are made twice a year and are just one of the ways in which the Foundation enables New Zealanders to grow their knowledge of Asian peoples and cultures.
This latest round of grants includes five diverse and contemporary projects:
East Meets West
Date: 1–2 February
Where: Wellington Chinese New Year Festival, TSB Arena
East Meets West is a contemporary variety performance held as part of the Wellington Chinese New Year celebrations. It showcases high quality contemporary Chinese arts, which this year will include performances inspired by the artwork of late artist and sculptor Guy Ngan. Ngan's works will be performed by international performing artists from Chongqing, China, and contemporary dancers such as Xin Ji (New Zealand Dance Company) and Jill Goh (New Zealand School of Dance graduate).
Gold coin entry.
Cloud Pink
Dates: 1 February – 5 April
Where: Expressions Whirinaki Arts & Entertainment Centre, Upper Hutt
Cloud Pink is an interactive installation by Seoul-based creative Everyware (Hyunwoo Bang and Yunsil Heo) that allows the public to live out childhood dreams of touching clouds. Cloud Pink is a highly accessible international exhibition showcasing technology not yet seen in New Zealand. This exhibition will provide an insight into Asia's digital artwork to a mainstream family audience.
Muljil
Dates: 17 February – 15 March
Where: Performance Arcade, Wellington waterfront
Muljil is a striking piece of visual theatre presented by ten performers and crew from South Korea who will be joined by five performers from Wellington’s refugee communities. Muljil will be performed as part of Performance Arcade, an annual event held on Wellington's waterfront. The work sees performers suspended in glass cases full of water. The piece explores themes of inclusion, diversity, and what it means to be an island nation.
Auckland Art Fair
Dates: 29 April – 3 May
Where: The Cloud, Auckland waterfront
The Auckland Art Fair is an annual event that is unique in showcasing contemporary art of the wider Pacific rim region, including New Zealand and Australia, parts of Asia, the west coasts of North and South America, and the Pacific Islands. Art fair organisers will be using the grant to support the invitation of two new galleries to the fair, one from Tokyo and one from Beijing. Two other Asia-based galleries (Shangai/Hong Kong and Jakarta) will also be a part of this year’s art fair.
Ceramic artist Kwak Kyungtae
Dates: 5 May – 1 June
Ceramic Association, Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and regions
Korean artist Kwak Kyungtae is one of the world’s only practicing masters of the Korean traditional art form of onggi pottery. Kyungtae will take part in the Ceramic Association’s touring potter programme this year, giving public lectures and workshops across the country. These are planned for both main cities and the regions, with the schedule to be confirmed early this year.