Dunedin Arts Festival

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Dunedin Arts Festival

Presented next from 12th to 24th October 2022 in Dunedin, the biennial ODT Dunedin Arts Festival wil
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08/08/2024

WORD Christchurch kicks off later this month with some amazing talks, events and shows. Our pick is the incredible theatre piece The Savage Coloniser Show from the company that brought Wild Dogs Under My Skirt to the Dunedin Arts Festival in 2021.
An unapologetic examination of race and racism – full of bold humour, courage and lacerating truths, fierce, furious and fabulously unforgiving, The Savage Coloniser Show is theatre that is as provocative as it is necessary – and a red-hot ticket you should fear missing out on.
Presented in partnership with Performing Arts Network NZ - PANNZ
To see the full programme, click here: https://wordchristchurch.co.nz/programme/

08/08/2024

Suzie Miller's Prima Facie is coming to Dunedin - but they need your support!
The company are running a crowdfunding campaign to make the production happen and any funds raised will contribute to wages for the professional artists involved in the production. Directed by Lara Macgregor and starring Serena Cotton.
If you want to support, click here: https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/something-has-to-change-prima-facie-by-suzie?fbclid=IwY2xjawEg4q1leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHWSBmqnn1vQ73ZrgoujVJhDG1_FUc4KrVzrNRMB8souBIZdpMYcmtKc50w_aem_eOjGWoz_o9h0GFpjH1pT8Q
Photo credit: Megan Goldsman

08/08/2024

Your Festival update - https://mailchi.mp/ed6103c5ce6b/update-from-your-festival-team-17983486
We shared our draft programme with our Board this week, and while can't tell you much at this stage, we can say that as well as great shows from Dunedin and the rest of New Zealand, we will have visitors from the UK, Europe, Australia and North America, amongst others.
In the meantime, there's plenty more to enjoy around the region including At the World's Edge Festival, WORD Christchurch, Prima Facie, and Otago Polyfest.

01/08/2024

DID YOU KNOW THE ARTS USED TO BE IN THE OLYMPICS?

Art competitions formed part of the modern Olympic Games during its early years, from 1912 to 1948. Medals were awarded for works of art inspired by sport, divided into five categories: architecture, literature, music, painting, and sculpture.

The juried art competitions were abandoned in 1954 because artists were considered to be professionals, while Olympic athletes were required to be amateurs.

So, the artists made money from their events, while sportspeople didn't.

Amazing how much things have changed in 70 years!

28/07/2024

A magical night up at Larnach Castle in 2021. Thank you Martin.

28/07/2024

Very sad news today.

Prominent Dunedin musician and The Chills lead singer Martin Phillipps has died unexpectedly. The New Zealand indie rock band formed in 1980 and...

02/07/2024

Just casually chatting arts and sport with a mate.

22/05/2024

Opens tonight! Have you got your ticket?

20/05/2024

Well done Otago Dancers and RASA School of Dance! For those who weren't there, watch this and see the joy an arts experience can bring to the community. Also, doesn't George Steet look amazing! 🩰🤸‍♀️

Idea, concept and main choreography by Xzenia Kutia. 0:00 " Busker" Tu tira mai nga iwi - Poi (Members of public)2:41 Flag dancers (Otago Dancers)5:57 Bachat...

17/05/2024

Ouch.

Highlanders now the strongest team in NZ's South Island at the Crusaders expense 👀

15/05/2024

Hey Dunedin, there's only a week left to get your tickets to this show before it opens.
I know Dunedin audiences have a national (maybe even international?) reputation for waiting until the last minute, but remember, getting tickets to shows in advance gives the producers assurance before the show opens that the artists won't be working for free or that the company won't make a loss. The arts are hard enough in the current environment, and the extra stress of late-buying is something it would be amazing to not have to worry about. So, get in there and get your tickets now!

07/05/2024

You know what it's like when you haven't done any exercise for a while, and you have an event coming up that requires some level of fitness? Then the best thing to do is to get up and do something - be it a walk or run - just get active. With under a year to go now until the 13th Dunedin Arts Festival you need to think about being going-to-see-a-different-show-every-night-for-two-weeks fit.
So...
Nick Payne's CONSTELLATIONS
Constellations - https://mailchi.mp/97ef145e4c80/update-from-your-festival-team-17971014

02/05/2024

Today's the day to wear your NZ music t-shirts as part of NZ Music Month. Here's my 'assistant' rocking her Ebb and Sparrow T!

25/04/2024

Hi everyone, if you are around St Paul's Cathedral, Dunedin this Sunday - here's a show you will like. If you're not around the cathedral, then it's only a short trip into town. Don't miss this one, it'll be epic!
Choirs Aotearoa New Zealand

17/04/2024

P!nk brought in $16.6 million to the city's economy, which is fantastic! The Dunedin Arts Festival brings in approx. $5 million each festival to the city.
Along with the wellbeing and entertainment benefits, the Arts continue to punch above our weight in delivering for our communities.
The Arts are a great way to show your support for your community, and be part of delivering incredible experiences to your region.
If you want to be a part of this and show your support, then please get in touch - we'd love to tell you more!

Pink's acrobatic Dunedin show last month has hit new heights for adding dosh to the city. The American singer’s Forsyth Barr Stadium concert pumped...

01/04/2024

In a unique spoken word production, English creators return to New Zealand to bring their retelling of an ancient Greek story to modern audiences.

28/03/2024

We're one year away from the next Festival! - https://mailchi.mp/90cd64424d9a/update-from-your-festival-team-17966841

22/03/2024

2024 nominations are now open for The FAME Mid-Career Awards!

The awards will provide for three established and inspiring mid-career artists and two awards for Production, Design and Technical professionals. Each award has a value of $15,000.

These awards are facilitated by PANNZ in partnership with The FAME Trust (Fund for Acting and Musical Endeavours) and the Acorn Foundation.

Previous award-winners include: Rodney Bell, Amanaki Lelei Prescott-Faletau, Tupe Lualua, Ben Crowder, Tānemahuta Gray, Hannah Smith, Jane Hakaraia and Rowan Pierce.

Nominations close 5pm Friday 12 April 2024

To nominate yourself or a colleague, or to find out more visit: https://www.pannz.org.nz/the-fame-mid-career-awards/

27/02/2024

A wonderful Welcome To Country to kick off APAM in Adelaide this morning. Looking forward to the show pitches!

26/02/2024

At Government House in Adelaide listening to the Governor talk about Adelaide Fringe and AdelaideFestival. Looking forward to finding some shows to bring back to Dunedin!

23/02/2024

All the best to our friends at the Aotearoa NZ Festival of the Arts and Hamilton Arts Festival Toi Ora ki Kirikiriroa who both kick off today. Have lots of fun, drink plenty of water and we will see you at the other end!

21/02/2024

Fabulous appointments! We look forward to working with you both in the future.

📢ANNOUNCING FESTIVAL CO-DIRECTORS

E pānuihia atu ana e Tāwhiri te urunga mai a Dolina Wehipeihana o Ngāti Tukorehe me Ngāti Raukawa, rāua ko Tama Waipara o Ruapani, o Rongowhakaata me Ngāti Porou, hei Kairauhī Toi ki Tāwhiri, ngā kaiwhakaputa i a Aotearoa New Zealand Festival of the Arts; Wellington Jazz Festival; Lexus Song Quest me Te Hui Ahurei Reo Māori o Te Whanganui-a-Tara. Ko rāua ētehi o ngā tino o tō rāua reanga mō te whakahaere whetiwara. Ka tīmata rāua hei ngā rā o Hune i tēnei te tau 2024, ka whakakīhia e rāua ngā tūranga a Marnie Karmelita rāua ko Mere Boynton, kua roa nei e kawe ana i tēnei tūranga takirua ki ngā taumata o tutuki.

We're thrilled to announce the appointment of Dolina Wehipeihana (Ngāti Tukorehe, Ngāti Raukawa) and Tama Waipara MNZM (Ruapani, Rongowhakaata, Ngāti Porou), two of the most accomplished and respected arts and festival leaders of their generation, as Festival Co-Directors at Tāwhiri, the creative force behind Aotearoa New Zealand Festival of the Arts; Wellington Jazz Festival; Lexus Song Quest and Te Hui Ahurei Reo Māori o Te Whanganui-a-Tara. Wehipeihana and Waipara will commence their Co-Director roles in June 2024, after the 2024 which has been successfully led by Creative Director Marnie Karmelita and Director Ngā Toi Māori Mere Boynton.

📸 Tama Waipara by Strike Photography and Dolina Wehipeihana by Julie Zhu.

19/02/2024

The Dunedin Fringe Festival programme is now live! There are some amazing shows and we're looking forward to many nights out over the Festival! Great programme team!

12/02/2024

It's that time again ..... we are looking for casual crew to join us for the set up and pack down of a large concert taking place over 4th/5th March at Forsyth Barr Stadium. If you wanna help get the party started please email Em at: [email protected] or pop in to see us at 18 Devon Street between 9:00am-4:00pm weekdays. 🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷

01/02/2024

Great to see that a couple of the 2022 Festival shows made the cut. Well done to The Strangest Of Angels (New Zealand Opera) and The King Of Taking (Thom Monckton/ A Mulled Whine)!

The Dunedin Theatre Reviewers Collective has announced the finalists for this month’s 12th Dunedin Theatre Awards. The awards, which have been...

18/01/2024

Now, this looks like fun!

Look out for the show poster around town, featuring our talented cast!

Address

9 Moray Place
Dunedin
9016

Website

http://www.dunedinartsfestival.co.nz/

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Otepoti took a deep dive into the performing arts of regional and international artists at the Dunedin Arts Festival🎭 Many individuals enjoyed the emphasis on shared experiences and collective well-being as they immersed themselves in a range of vivid colours, rooms full of laughing, spectacular movement, powerful messages, captivating sounds, and two weeks of community gatherings that highlighted creativity and human kind. ❤As the Dunedin Arts Festival 2022 comes to an end, we would like to express our sincere gratitude to all of our participants, supporters, and you. Thank you to everyone who contributed to ensuring the continuation of this unique element of Dunedin's thriving cultural life.👏 Let us know who your favourite acts are and why so that the Dunedin Arts Festival remains a festival for everyone 🤩 Ngā mihi nui ki a koe

Last night we concluded Dunedin Arts Festival with some incredible talent that all deserved a standing applause. Artefact highlighting what not to do in a museum with their interactive performance. The Harmonic Resonators serenading the crowd with lush harmonies. Agony Pants sharing the worst advice that doesn’t help anyone but sure made the crowd laugh. Rebel the acrobatic tribute to the late David Bowie with their thoroughly enjoyable show. WHAT A NIGHT ❤️ To anyone who was lucky enough to attend the last two weeks of events, share your videos or photos and tag us - we’d love to see them ☺️ #dunedinartfest Creative New Zealand Rebel

Last night we witnessed the dazzlingly acrobatic performance of Werk It! 🤹‍♀️ The Regent Theatre was lit up in colour and jaw-dropping tricks that left the crowd in amazement of their skills 😍 #dunedinartfest

Biggest Little Circus 🤹‍♀️ The buzz in the atmosphere was certainly vibrant and colourful. Juggling, fire sticks, acrobatic elegance, audience interactions and a whole lot of comedic charm. The octagon was alive with a sea of smiling faces enjoying the energetic entertainment 🤩 #dunedinartsfest Creative New Zealand

We’re getting closer 💃🏽 It’s time to flick though and view the awesome talent that’s arriving very soon. You can find these brochures floating about Ōtepoti hotspots ⭐️

The meeting of two from diverse backgrounds, with completely different experiences, in perfect equilibrium 💫 Chloe and Rodney explore human equality and connection, through the use of movement and air. As if planets were circling each other, their energy magnetically attracting one another, this duet is like nothing else you have ever seen before. The Air Between Us is a FREE event, one you cannot miss!! Book it in your calendar for Sat 22 & Sun 23 - both starting at 1:00 pm located on the First Church Lawn. We'll see you there. #dunedinartsfest Proudly sponsored by Creative New Zealand

✨Here are some snippets of events happening at this year's Dunedin Arts Festival! ✨ Come join us in immersing yourself in a whole lot of laughs, culture, colours and sounds. 🤩 Bring your friends, family, and co-workers and embrace the extraordinary. Less than 4 weeks to go, and tickets are selling fast so grab yours today. https://bit.ly/3qJ3XvQ #dunedinartsfest

📜Dearest viewers, you are hereby summoned for the world premiere of... 👑The King of Taking 👑 This is the new show by our favourite theatre-maker, Thom Monckton. If you saw Thom in last year's 'The Artist' then you've probably bought your tickets already. Thom is a master of his craft - he's a mime, clown, physical theatre star, and all-round genuinely mesmerizingly funny guy on and off the stage. This is a show for everyone - bring gran and the kids! 14 & 15 October at King's & Queen's Performing Arts Centre. Tickets Here - https://bit.ly/3qCwPFT Very proudly presented by Kallo Collective and A Mulled Whine. #dunedinartsfest

This year is our 12th Dunedin Arts Festival! Established in 1999 as the Otago Festival Of The Arts Trust, The Dunedin Arts Festival is the region’s premier festival of high quality performing and visual arts. The unmissable 2022 programme would not be possible without the ongoing support from Dunedin City Council, Otago Community Trust and Creative New Zealand , who have ensured this treasured part of Dunedin's rich cultural life continues. We look forward to seeing you at the shows - It's your festival, so please enjoy! #dunedinartsfest

In this live art experience, nakedness is stripped right down to its core. 💃 Taking inspiration from cabaret and burlesque, the Most Naked combines mesmerising dance artistry, subversive theatre, breathtaking live music, and political eroticism. Performer Hannah Tasker-Poland joined internationally renowned composer and musician Lucien Johnson in creating and performing this force-of-nature performance. “a seamless performance” - Theatreview Get your early bird tickets and experience the journey of The Most Naked! 🎟-https://bit.ly/3AqwjPL 📅Fri 21 & Sat 22 Oct, 8.00pm Mayfair Theatre 👏Massive thank you to Creative New Zealand #dunedinartsfest

Dunedin Arts Festival 2022 Brochure

You’ll find our brochures scattered throughout the city, be sure to pick one up. We have a seriously amazing line up of events this year, dare we say it ...our best yet! You can also view our brochure online https://dunedinartsfestival.co.nz/brochure to browse our entire programme. It’s time for this city to celebrate the extraordinary💃 #dunedinartsfest #DAF22

We’ve painted the town RED!

We’ve painted the town RED! The countdown is on for the Dunedin Arts Festival 2022. #dunedinartsfest #DAF22

EARLY BIRD TICKETS

Early Bird tickets ON SALE NOW! 🐦🎫 Make fantastic savings with the Early Bird discount. The last day for this offer is 31st August. There’s a limited number of Early Bird tickets available so get in quick for your favourite shows…and BOOK NOW🎉 #dunedinartsfest #DAF22 Check out our 2022 programme here https://bit.ly/3vMR07c

Owls Do Cry - Janet Frame’s novel is brung to life.

Red Leap Theatre delivered a captivating performance last night at the Regent Theatre, Dunedin 📚 Did you know almost every show in our programme has some connection to Ōtepoti? Including Janet Frame herself. Directed by Malia Johnston. Proudly supported by Creative New Zealand and EzyStor. #owlsdocry #dunedinartsfest

Secrets In Your Streets - Dunedin Arts Festival

A glimpse into today’s event 'Secrets In Your Streets' with Java Dance 🎉✨We had so much fun! Leave a 👏 below if you enjoyed the show. #dunedinartsfest

The Chills Lanarch Castle 2021

💥WOW💥About last night...The Chills belted out some epic tunes in the atmospheric Lanarch Castle. Dunedin locals were feeling pretty lucky! 🎶👏🎼 Thank you Forsyth Barr and Lanarch Castle . #dunedinartsfest #dunedinnz #thechillsnz

Subtle Dances by BalletCollective Aotearoa

Aotearoa’s newest ballet company made its debut last night in Ōtepoti. Check out a snippet below! In Subtle Dances, by BalletCollective Aotearoa, each work was presented with live accompaniment of the talented NZTrio. Thank you Turid Revfeim and the entire crew of BalletCollective Aotearoa for bringing this outstanding show to the Dunedin Arts Festival 2021!!! ❣️🩰🌟

OTHER [chinese] Dunedin Arts Festival 2021.

Thank you Alice Canton (White_mess), Sherry Zhang and to all the participants of last night's show OTHER [chinese]. What is Chinese? What is being Chinese? What is not Chinese? Participants took to the stage to share personal stories, connecting exploring what it means to be chinese, here and now. Thought-provoking, vulnerable and utterly important, OTHER [chinese] created space for multiple voices to arise - because being Chinese is not one singular thing. Proudly supported by Asia New Zealand Foundation Chinese Poll Tax Heritage Trust

TONIGHT! Emily Writes’ Rants in the Dark. 🌟 Proudly supported by Woodland Eggs This is an incredibly funny night out, with loads of all-too-true stories of the infinate joys of wrangling babies and toddlers. You’ll be in good company, you’ll laugh your tired eyes to tears, and the bar is definitely open. 🧡 7pm tonight at The Regent Theatre. Book via our website or door sales available. See you all there! #emilywrites #rantsinthedark #dunedinartsfest BOOK HERE: https://dunedinartsfestival.co.nz/festival-programme/theatre/rants-in-the-dark

OPENING NIGHT! 💥 OTHER [chinese] reflects on the many intersecting aspects of identity that make us unique, and examines what it is to be Chinese in Aotearoa, here and now. Facilitated in real-time, audiences gain raw insight into a range of local and global issues. Real people reveal real stories from the heart, offering converging - and sometimes conflicting - perspectives. Glenroy Auditorium 8pm tonight and tomorrow! Book now: https://dunedinartsfestival.co.nz/festival-programme/theatre/other-chinese Proudly supported by Asia New Zealand Foundation Chinese Poll Tax Heritage Trust

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Arts Festival Dunedin

Next Festival 2020

Otago Festival of the Arts Trust was established in 1999 to present a biennial arts festival in Dunedin. There are two simple 'catch phrases' which encapsulate what this Festival is all about - "celebrating the excellent and the extraordinary" "a boutique festival in a boutique city."

Since the inaugural Festival in 2000 the Festival has fostered these simple policies. "Bigger is not necessarily better; developing a sustainable, manageable and exciting event is paramount" says founding Director Nicholas McBryde. "Dunedin is a city of 120,000 citizens - we need to primarily cater for this catchment by offering as much as our money can buy. And to date, having now produced nine Festivals we are very proud to have always offered a fabulous arts event to our region." The most recent celebration in October 2016 - enjoyed more sold out shows and standing ovations than ever before. Arts Festival Dunedin will present the tenth edition 21 - 30 September 2018.

The Festival has as its corporate brand a "silk" created by the Victorian artist, designer, typographer and manufacturer William Morris. This has served the Festival well - it is elegant, can be used in various permutations and fits well with the historic Victorian and Edwardian architecture of Dunedin - the Edinburgh of the South.