Current projects
Explore projects from Jul 2024 - Jun 2025 supported by Arts Out East.
Tales of our Wāhine
Tales of our Wāhine
Exhibition on from Friday 19th July 2024 - end September 2024
At Botany Town Centre, outside H&M.
Arts Out East are proud to exhibit ‘Tales of our Wāhine’, a series of stories and portraits of some of Aotearoa’s remarkable women. Woven from threads in local artist, Wendy Hannah’s, practice, such as art’s capacity for making change, and a focus on the history of women’s rights in Aotearoa New Zealand, this new series of photographic portraits and stories chronicle the legacy of 10 local East Auckland wāhine, who embody the pioneering spirit and brave leadership that have shaped our communities.
Arts Out East has worked closely with these women, drawing out their stories and portraits, to acknowledge these female change-makers through this special exhibition. Each of these women have left an indelible mark on society, applying their talents and sharing their culture in an endless drive for a better future for their communities. They have nurtured skills, shared knowledge, championed causes and made space for others, giving generously of their time and expertise, in pursuit of a brighter future for everyone.
We honour these local women, from multiple generations, who have dared and fought to create opportunities for a better world, and lived boldly and authentically. Their legacies are presented in this exhibition, for the wider community to embrace a sense of resilience, strength, and the spirit of Aoteoroa’s pioneering, extraordinary women.
A special thanks to the women featured: Taini Drummond (O Wairoa Marae), Hope Milo, Yongrahn Park (Korean Positive Aging Charitable Trust), Claudia Robin Gunn, Katie-Rose Ruana Pemberton, Toni Mosley, Carla Ruka, Adele White, Dr. Fahima Saied (News Settlers Family and Community Trust) and Cecilia Ma.
Photographers bio: Bel Butler
Bel Butler is a multifaceted creative whose practice is led by her own journey of self-discovery and celebration of diversity. Delving deep into her identity as a proud woman and an active member of the Rainbow community, using mediums such as photography and videography as a means of expression, connection, and storytelling. As a visual storyteller, Bel approaches each project with a keen eye for detail and a commitment to capturing the essence of her subjects.
Bel’s genuine passion for creativity and inclusivity sets her apart from others and approaches each project with gratitude to document the resilience of the world around her.
The portraits of 10 local wāhine, reflect her commitment to empowering others through her photos. Bel was drawn to the opportunity to showcase the beauty and strength of such remarkable women. By observing their mannerisms and engaging with them during the interview process, Butler was able to capture who they are in one single shot. The final result invites us to see the world through her lens — a world rich in diversity and beauty.
Bel Butler: Website, Instagram
Writers bio: Natasha Bidesi
Natasha Bidesi’s intention with this project was to create dedicated individual pieces to our wāhine. In order for them to read their pieces as miniature love letters, a feeling of understanding and connection between the writer and muse had to be established. To do this, we set up interviews with questions that ranged from questions devoted to their practices, to questions about who each artist is as a human It is important for Natasha’s work to feel reciprocal and for each of these women to be seen for who they are, and not just what they do. This practice reflects the philosophy behind her work: a dedication to weaving together giving and receiving, reflecting the interconnectedness of all things, and a desire to intertwine the many facets of being human.
With a Bachelor of Arts in Media Studies and as a current MBA candidate, Natasha’s interdisciplinary writing blends both conventional academia and artistic expression. Much of Natasha’s work as a poet and writer combines elements of mind, body, and soul, connecting the physical elements with the non-physical. Her often-emotive writing challenges the reader into introspection, encouraging them to contemplate their perspective and contributions in their personal lives and wider society.
Natasha’s journey is characterised by a relentless commitment to raw truth, performing different ways of vulnerability, communication, and connection.
Natasha Bidesi: Instagram
The Wāhine Exhibition has been generously supported by Botany Town Centre, Arts Out East, Te Tuhi and the Howick Local Board.
Seb Judd (Chequered Patterns): Arts Out East Music Directory
AOE Music Directory
As a producer and music engineer, Chequered Patterns is keen to support local musicians and provide a platform for discovery and connection. The music directory serves as a comprehensive showcase of the diverse talents within our community featuring 20 or more musicians. Each profile includes a bio, images, sound bites and relevant links to their work. The idea is that whether you're a music enthusiast, industry professional, or simply curious about local talent you can utilise the directory. The best thing is this platform will continue to evolve as new musicians sign up, ensuring expansion of the platform.
Running alongside the music directory will be an Arts Out East Spotify Playlist. Handpicked tracks from the directory will form a dynamic collection celebrating East Auckland musicians. By listening to the playlist, you will support local musicians and build a network for our community.
Learn more about Chequered Patterns: website
If you are a local musician and want to be part of this project click here
This project was funded Arts Out East a programme supported by Te Tuhi and Howick Local Board.
Sahana Rahman: Nokshi Kotha Workshops
Nokshi Kotha Workshops
We are excited to introduce you to a series of Nokshi Kotha Workshops delivered by artist Sahana Rahman. This project revives the fading Bengali tradition of "nokshi katha," or embroidered quilts, where groups of Bengali women would gather to stitch their daily narratives onto a shared cloth.
In these workshops, participants are invited to contribute their own stories to a collaborative fabric mural, inspired by a personal object they bring with them. Each session includes a presentation on the history of nokshi katha, insights into Sahana’s personal practice, and a guide to embroidery techniques.
The goal is to breathe new life into this beautiful tradition, encourage meaningful dialogue, and promote healing and joy through the power of shared creative expression.
We're excited to bring this project to new audiences across East Auckland, no embroidery experience is needed!
Friday 4 October, Botany Library 1pm - 4pm
Sunday 13 October, Botany Library 10:30am - 3:30pm (drop in session)
Sahana Rahman: Instagram / Email
This project was funded by Arts Out East a programme supported by Te Tuhi and Howick Local Board.
Howick Frames - Matariki Flags
Howick Frames: Matariki Owairoa
Drawn from the project Matariki Owairoa, the Howick Frames will feature the constellations made by tamariki from Mellons Bay and Owairoa Primary throughout a revolving exhibition.
Matariki Māori New Year is a time to reflect on our past, remember loved ones, celebrate the present, and plan for the year ahead. It is a time to connect with our whānau and whenua and to care, prepare, and seek guidance from Te Taiao and our natural surroundings working towards Kaitiakitanga.
During kōrero with Whaea Taini from O Wairoa Marae and Pita Turei, stories were shared. From these exchanges, combined with the thoughtful symbols sourced and sketched by Briana Woolliams, concepts that Matariki represent began to take shape. This collaborative effort was the inspiration behind creating 4 Mythical Creatures. These creatures would be transformed into Matariki Kaitiaki/Guardians with the help of local tamariki from Owairoa and Mellons Bay Primary School, making this a truly community-driven project.
The children's drawings, etched into the cosmos of these creatures, are brought together as a galactic constellation. This transformation is not just a visual spectacle, but a testament to the children's imagination and creativity that transcends the boundaries of their classrooms. It encourages them to look up and beyond, fostering a sense of unity and connection while acknowledging the land, mana whenua and community. These creatures act as guardians from the sky, land and sea. That which we nourish, will nourish us in return – Chantel Matthews
Make sure you head to Picton St, Howick to see the final Matariki Owairoa flag designs.
Custom cookie cutters were made thanks to Little Monkey NZ using the mythical creatures from the flags. These were given to each school in sets as a koha to thank them for their contribution. Each school was gifted three sets to pass between classes, should they wish to use them during school time. A Matariki biscuit recipe specific to the project and featuring more artwork by tamariki can be found here. The wonderful business owner Lynley from Little Monkey NZ has kindly offered sets to be purchased for any of the local families wanting a special version to remember their special contribution to this artwork.
Artist: Chantel Matthews, Tamariki O Owairoa, Tamariki O Mellons Bay
Acknowledgments: Ngāi Tai Ki Tāmaki, Whaea Taini, Carla Ruka, O Wairoa Marae – Te Whare Wānanga O Wairoa, Pita Turei, Te Tuhi (Arts Out East) Briana Woolliams, Ashley Grogan.
To see the work by Tamariki O Mellons Bay, please click here.
For work by Tamariki O Owairoa, please click here.
I: @chantelmatthews
W: www.chantelmatthews.com/
Arts Out East is supported by Te Tuhi and Howick Local Board
Howick Frames - bom dia!
Howick Frames: bom dia!
bom dia! is an exhibition comprising images of recent and past paintings of dias. This celebratory body of work depicts the artist’s experience of living in Pakuranga, departing and her continual return to her suburban home and greater East Auckland.
Through the act of painting, dias explores its transformative ability to understand her relationships with others in her environment. As a result, the created image reflects her newfound perspectives back to her ‘environment’. This creates a continuous cycle of reflection from herself to her environment, and back again.
bom dia! invites the viewer to consider what the term ‘local’ means to them beyond a geographical sense. It encourages the viewer to reflect on engaging authentically with their locale, to draw deeper and genuine connections with their surroundings and thus themselves.
Artist bio
Brunelle Dias is an painter based in Tāmaki Makaurau. She completed her Masters of Visual Art at AUT, School of Art and Design, in 2021. She is interested in the intimacy between figure and ground and the interconnection between past and present. Recent exhibitions include The Local Migrant at RM Gallery, Tāmaki Makaurau; Idyll at Page Galleries, Te Whanganui-A-Tara; and a revisit of introspective fieldworks: the everyday in flux at Nathan Homestead, Tāmaki Makaurau, all 2022.
This is an Arts Out East Project in collaboration with the Howick Village Association. Arts Out East is supported by Te Tuhi and Howick Local Board
Arts of Conversation: 3
Art of Conversation series 2, 2023. Image courtesy of Arts Out East.
Art of Conversation: Curated by Jennifer Cheuk
The art of conversation is back for 2024, with a third rendition of artists and venues. The Art of Conversation is a series highlighting artists who share connections to the East Auckland area. Each invited artist will talk about their work and their practice in their favorite local café. This free series aims to break the formal nature of artist talks and support local businesses. All we ask is that when you attend, you purchase a hot or cold drink to support the chosen local business. Think good vibes, great art chat, and supporting locals with a nice beverage. This will run throughout the the months of November - December, 2024.
This years focus is underrepresented forms of artmaking, such as comics, animation and zinemaking with an aim to uplift BIPOC communities. The idea is to platform alternative ways of storytelling and thinking about arts beyonds traditionally Western perspectives. The proposed artists will use different mediums of art to build connections, educate others and celebrate unique identities and experiences.
Check out the series, make sure the dates are in your diary.
About Jennifer Cheuk
Jennifer Cheuk is a researcher, editor and curator. She is the Founder of Rat World magazine, a research archivist for Satellite's Aotearoa Asian Arts Archive and is highly involved in the theatre community as a reviewer. Overall, Jennifer is passionate about community arts practices, alternative forms of storytelling, and curating more accessible spaces for people to experience arts and writing. She has previously worked as the Guest Curator for the New Zealand Young Writers Festival and the Programme Manager for the Auckland Writers Festival.
This year’s artists include: Migrant Maharanis, Lindsey de Roos, Allan Xia, Bareeka Vreda and Munro Te Whata. Dates and East Auckland locations to be announced.