• Auckland Regional Council artist in residence scheme. Applications are now open!

The Auckland Regional Council is now accepting applications for its artist in residence programme for 2009. This is intended to provide a place for an artist to stay in surroundings likely to stimulate creative work and raise awareness of the beauty of Auckland's regional parks.

Applicants require a proven exhibition / performance record and need to be committed to creating a new body of work whilst undertaking the residency.

The successful applicant will undertake a four to eight week residency at one of three scenic locations:

1.       Awhitu House, Awhitu Regional Park.

2.       Waharau House, Waharau Regional Park.

3.       Mangatawhiri House, Hunua Ranges Regional Park

Applications close 16 February 2009.

Click here to read the information for applicants.

Click here to view general information.

Click here to download application form.

• Cancelation: Global Voyage for a Nuclear-Free World - Peace Boat Hibakusha Project 

We regret to announce that the visit by the Atomic Bomb Survivors to Franklin: The Centre, scheduled for mid-december 2008 has been canceled. The vessel suffered a severe mechanical failure during the voyage and had to be replaced. This delayed their arrival in New Zealand until during the Christmas period, during which no facilities are available. FACT would like to convey its apologies to all those who would have liked to have attended this presentation.

• Now on at THE NEW ZEALAND STEEL GALLERY:
  
  'My World' by Jim Ayers
  
  
  
  

  The opening night is on the 5^th of December from 5:30- 7pm and finishes on Christmas Eve at 12pm. 

  This exhibition is different because of its rare content:  Jim has a collection of work spanning from 1940 right up until today.  There are hundreds of working drawings to accompany the large paintings giving the visitor a rare insight into how the artist develops his ideas on paper and resolves his concept in the finish work. 
  In his exhibition the viewer will also be able to see the development and experimentation over many decades.  It is so rare to be able to follow the path and see where an artist has taken different paths and in some cases gone back into his archive to retrieve earlier skills and techniques to re-implement and create new work from the old.
  Many of the artworks would have been very daring and outspoken in their social commentary in their day, which may account for Jim still having some controversial works in his possession. 
  It is fascinating that so many of his bold statements and sharp remarks are still relevant today, making his work excellent for opening up debate about how far New Zealand has really come. 
  History will be revisited in this exhibition through two ways; the first in the subject matter, Jim has documented many key events that shaped the country’s identity and secondly through the way he works, he went to Art School in the 1940’s and it is very evident in his processes how artist were once trained to communicate.
  For all who are interested in art, this exhibition will definitely be educational in its lay-out, it is like an Art Book on the walls of a gallery. 
  
   
• Christmas promotion at Artefact Gallery Shop. Make a purchase and receive a free gift! Promotional period 1 December - 23 December.

Artefact offers affordible one-of-a-kind gifts by local artists and craftmen. From our ever changing range you can choose from:

Artisans peices: painting, ceramics, woodturning, glassware, jewellery, texiles, including felt and wool peices. 

Other gift ideas: books, bead mosiac kit, flip flop coasters, note cards.

Treat yourself and your loved ones this christmas with the exciting range of crafts we have in store. 

Opening hours: Monday - Friday 9.30am - 4.30pm, Saturday 9.30am - 2.30pm

• Free traditional Maori flax / korowai weaving classes,  Come and join the fun before you miss out! Click here for the remaining dates..   

• Christmas closure

Please note that FACT will be closed for the Christmas period from the afternoon of Wednesday the 24th of December and will reopen on Monday the 5th of January.               

• Art Library update

FACT has received a large donation of books and magazines for its library on the subject of stained glass making. This is a great opportunity for somebody to enjoy a new, fascinating and profitable hobby! Our sincere thanks to Alf Mazciritis for this amazingly generous gift to the community.

Please call Josh 09 238 8899 or email jrussell8@xtra.co.nz for all enquiries related to the FACT library.

•  Volunteer needed to join our Retail team! More details here