Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa

“I am currently working with a group of 30 young artists (ages 12-15) with outstanding creative abilities. The group is working on a series of portraits which depict identities from Te Moana-nui-a-Kiwa, which reflect the ethnicities of the artists themselves. To date, we have created these artworks using repurposed MDF shelves, with paint and Posca markers. The idea is to publicly exhibit these artworks outdoors in the community, the proposed locations of the installation is either outside Zeal (Henderson), or along the wire fencing by The Falls, at the intersection of Alderman and Edmonton roads, both areas of high exposure. This public display of high-calibre student artwork aims to uplift and inspire the community, as well as celebrate the talents of our local rangatahi and provide them with a platform to have their work recognised, appreciated and celebrated.”

– Anna Delaney

There is no set duration that the works would need to exhibited, but if it were short term/ semi-permanent, the idea would be to either return the artworks to the original artists or to repurpose them as a different display or installation at another venue in the West Auckland community, for example Te Manawa Library.

The core group of 30 young artists range in age between 12-15 years old. A majority identify as Māori and/or Pasifika.