April 22, 2006

Dates announced for Auckland Festival, AK07

The Auckland Festival Trust has announced that the Auckland Festival, AK07, "will light up the heart of Auckland city next March 9-24, offering an inspiring and exciting selection of new and ambitious New Zealand and Pacific work and an impressive international line-up."

"The programme will fuel the curiosity and imagination of everyone," says David Malacari, Chief Executive of the Auckland Festival.

"We’re very excited by the work we’re programming for 2007. There’s a fantastic range of outstanding events. The international acts are amongst the best in the world and the high quality local events reflect the cultural make-up of Auckland, with an emphasis on the city’s dynamic Mâori and Pacific cultures."

The Auckland Festival, AK07, will include a visual arts programme, a contemporary and classical music programme, a season of cabaret and club events, a dance season, a theatre season and a free programme aimed at encouraging families and friends to enjoy what is often unaffordable to them.

Malacari says the recent results of a Creative New Zealand survey which found nine out of ten New Zealanders are involved in the arts either as participants or spectators and 76% of New Zealanders think the arts help define our national identity was very encouraging for the growth of arts in the wider community. "We want Aucklanders to celebrate the diverse and spirited city they live in and to support the unique opportunity to see so many quality artistic events under one umbrella", says Malacari.

"The Auckland Festival is a celebration of artistic courage and triumph and we hope the city joins us in this celebration."

The Auckland Festival is a biennial event that has grown exponentially since it began in 2003. Last year’s festival, AK05, attracted thousands of arts and entertainment lovers to the city centre and wider suburbs where large outdoor events were staged.

Further announcements will be made about the Auckland Festival; it’s programme and other exciting developments in the up coming months.

Festival enquiries may be made to:
Festival Office:
Ph: +64 +9 309 0101
Fax: +64 +9 309 0176
info@aucklandfestival.co.nz