KEY POINTS:
An extravaganza of arts is expected to reel in up to $1 million for Manukau City, from its first annual Manukau Festival of Arts.
Set to begin next Thursday, the festival - in association with Manukau City Council, TelstraClear Pacific and Tomorrow's Manukau group - is costing around $470,000 but is expected to bring in even more benefits for the city.
TelstraClear Pacific chief executive Richard Jeffery said the festival was relatively cheap compared to other similar festivals.
"Manukau City Council is investing $200,000, Telstra is putting in $75,000 and we've got a lot of sponsors contributing.
"It's costing us a bit, but the economic impact will probably be around $1 million. We're expecting to get a lot of people from out of Auckland - interested in the arts here in Manukau - so it's going to be good for the city's profile."
With up to 37 events within the next three weeks across Manukau City, audiences will be spoilt for choice, Mr Jeffery said.
"There's comedy, opera, visual arts, theatre, fashion - it's all there. There's a diverse range of events - organised by the community - and that way, the festival is really representative of the community.
"Basically we wanted to showcase Manukau as being a strong and vibrant place, in terms of the arts here."
The Manukau Festival of Arts will open next week with the unveiling of an artwork dubbed Ngatahi - together - hanging from the yet-to-be completed SH20 over- bridge behind the TelstraClear Pacific Events Centre.
Renowned fashion awards and show Villa Maria Cult-Couture will follow later on that night. Other events include the Manukau Film Festival, art exhibitions such as Meat & Lollies and internationally-recognised dance company Black Grace.
Festival marketing manager Leisa Sitene said the festival was a positive illustration of what Manukau has to offer in the arts. "This is about city pride."
For the programme and tickets go to www.mfa.org.nz.
CULTURE CARNIVAL
What: Manukau Festival of Arts 08 - Events range from opera, theatre productions, art exhibitions, fashion, film, cultural markets and comedy.
Who: Highlights include international act Black Grace, Villa Maria Cult-Couture fashion awards/ show and Southside Comedy.
When: October 30 to Nov 17.
Where: Manukau City.
Cost: Prices for events range from a donation to $75. Other events: Free entry.
