Toi Ora exhibition to celebrate inclusion
25 October 2011 The talents of more than 65 Auckland artists working across a wide range of artforms will celebrate inclusion in Toi Ora Live Art Trust’s annual group exhibition, on at Artstation from 27 October to 12 November.
Entitled I for Invisible…I for Inclusion, the show features visual art, craft, music, creative writing, performance, photography, film and multimedia. It includes the use of two DVD projectors screening on two walls, and an evening of music and poetry performance from 6pm to 8pm on Thursday 3 November.
Erwin van Asbeck, Manager of Toi Ora Live Art Trust, says the exhibition aims to celebrate inclusion and visibility, and examine what it means to be included – or not – in society.
“This is the first time we’ve showcased all of our artforms in the one exhibition. There’s also a range of artists featured – from the emerging through to very experienced artist,” Erwin says. “This approach is in itself inclusive and also reflects the show’s theme."
I for Invisible…I for Inclusion is the culmination of a busy month for the Grey Lynn creative space, which provides artistic opportunities for adults with experience of mental health services.
At the beginning of the month, Toi Ora was helped produce Fiesta in the Park, an event recognising community wellbeing and held during Mental Health Awareness Week.
This was followed by the October Gig and the opening of Interpretations of Text in the Toi Ora Gallery. This is the first solo exhibition of Tricia Hall, a Toi Ora artist and board member. It continues until 11 November.
“Tricia is a printmaker and writer, and this is a survey of her work incorporating text to trace her journey to recovery,” Erwin says.
Toi Ora Live Art Trust is also involved in the InterACT Festival, New Zealand’s first arts festival showcasing the abilities of more than 150 disabled artists.
The festival runs from 28 to 30 October with more than 30 performances, workshops and forums at the Corbans Estate Arts Centre in Henderson (during the day) and Glen Eden Playhouse (night performances). Toi Ora will exhibit artwork and tutors are running printmaking, music and poetry workshops, as well as working with Hotspot Productions to conduct a circus workshop and performance.