“We have no shortage of stories and artists here,” he said.
“Matariki is a season that belongs to us all and I think this year is the first time as a nation we are looking to acknowledge this particular time of year and what it means.”
Matariki is a time for reflection, a chance to gather perspectives, a time to look up, inwards, and to plant new ideas.
“Matariki represents that reset time and we have never needed a reset more than we do right now.”
Te Ara I Whiti promises another spectacular exhibition of mahi toi (artworks) at Kelvin and Marina parks. Once again curated by Melanie Tangaere-Baldwin, exhibiting artists include Ngaire Tuhua, Randal Leach, Te Naiti Tīhema, Chevron Hassett, Erena Koopu and
Angus Muir.
It was a challenge to choose just six artists for Te Ara I Whiti, but Mr Waipara said the final group brought diversity of form and expression.
“This installation is at the centre of our Matariki offering. We are participating and partnering with other community kaupapa who are also acknowledging Matariki.”
He said that this year there were fewer works in Te Ara I Whiti, but the scale and intent of the trail had deepened.
The Te Pūtahi Stage is back to showcase local musical artists and talent, with each evening featuring live music and kai or coffee carts.
The arts festival team is excited to see whānau of all ages coming to Te Ara I Whiti.
“I love that everyone comes and feels a sense of connection,” Mr Waipara said.
“Last year I sat across the river and the sounds of whānau out together to see the works was uplifting. It is something the community truly owns.”
Te Tairāwhiti Arts Festival has partnered with community kaupapa celebrating Matariki including: Tautua Arts, who are running three events between June 20 and 25; Te Wānanga o Aotearoa, which is offering a twilight night market; Tairāwhiti Voyaging Trust, hosting wānanga on traditional navigation aboard the waka; Muriwai Weavers, running weekend workshops for the public; and TAITECH, hosting poetry workshops open to everyone.
Many gallery spaces around Gisborne will host special exhibitions for Matariki.
“The festival is dedicated to realising the creative abundance of our place,” Mr Waipara said.
“Our region has been through so much lately, and while it is important to support each other in emergency response and crisis, it is also essential to continue to nurture our resilience and innovation. I believe our creative spaces do that.”
For more information head to https://tetairawhitiartsfestival.nz
