If we go to Alert Level 2, we will be able to present some—but not all—Open Late events, with hygiene measures and social distancing. We advise booking, in case there’s a shift in level. Stay tuned for updates.
Art, music, film, talks, beer, wine, and food. A changing programme of late-night events on the first Thursday of the month.
On the cusp of Matariki, we present a special line-up of events as we look towards the Māori new year.
First up, we host a special one-off screening of James & Isey in the Adam auditorium, the latest film from director Florian Habicht. 99-year old Isey lives with her adult son James on their small farm in Kawakawa. They are descendants of Ngāti Manu – The Bird People. Isey is turning 100 in a week. This is a Northland celebration of life and aroha like no other!
After the screening, Megan Dunn Head of Public Programmes will be in conversation with Florian Habicht about his life and approach to documentary. From his art school days to Jarvis Cocker to the unforgettable James and Isey, they’ll discuss Florian’s career highlights along the way.
Upstairs, in current exhibition Every Artist, Isiaha Barlow is in conversation with Senior Curator Aaron Lister. Barlow will discuss his work featuring the 'Saints' and the 'Mothers' of Contemporary Māori Art, and the impact that some of those figures have had on his own practice.
To close the night, enjoy live music from award winning Wellington based singer-songwriter, Amba Holly. Originally from Waikato-Tainui, Amba grew up singing on her marae. Amba has won awards for Best Māori Songwriter and Best Māori Female Solo Artist at the 2019 Waiata Māori Music Awards. She was also the recipient of the Waiata Māori Music Award for Best Female Solo Artist in 2016 and 2017, winning the Radio Airplay Song of the Year by a Māori Artist in Te Reo Māori award with her track Mau Tonu.
Throughout the evening, grab a wand and create your own light painting courtesy of our friends The Travelling Photobooth.
Open Late Timetable
5pm Exhibitions open, supper treats and tunes from Radio Active DJ
6pm screening of James & Isey (91mins) * followed by an interview at 7.30pm with director Florian Habicht on his life and work
6–9pm Light painting with The Travelling Photobooth
6.30pm Artist Isiaha Barlow in conversation with Curator Aaron Lister
8.45pm Live music from Amba Holly
As always, our bar and galleries open at 5pm, there will be Tuatara beers, Seresin Estate wine, supper treats and sounds from a RadioActive DJ.
