Media Release – For immediate release

Manukau Revs Up For An Arts Explosion

MANUKAU FESTIVAL OF ARTS 2010
October 15th – October 31st 2010

Following the success of 2009, Manukau once again becomes centre stage for the diverse, colourful and eclectic arts community when the third Manukau Festival of Arts kicks off on October 15.

Last year’s festival staged 34 events; bringing the brightest Manukau had to offer with a vibrant community drawing together talent from the fields of music, arts and theatre. Events such as Villa Maria Cult Couture, Pecha Kucha and the Creative Arts Sector drew full houses and critical acclaim - a concurrent theme across the festival. 2010's instalment looks to eclipse those numbers further with 33 events and 5 community events – with 38 events overall.

Highlights this year include the sequel to 2009’s hit Strictly Brown, as Strictly Brown 2 sees the sizzling hot Kila Kokonut Krew return to fan the flames they ignited a year previous – with more live acts, more special guests and even more giveaways!

A glitzy evening affair celebrating originality and innovation, Villa Maria Cult-Couture 2010 is Manukau’s premier fashion event. Be taken to fantastical places by this year’s show, with special performances by artists including J Williams, Annie Crummer and ReQuest.

Colour the Sky makes a welcome return following last year’s successful event. Bring the whole family for a day of colour, fun and most importantly kite flying at Barry Curtis Park on Labour Monday.

Music is the heart and soul of Manukau and has become the city’s most important genre over the past decade. Following on from its huge turnout (3500 fans) last year, Southside Gig returns with dance competitions and workshops, graf art and performances from the some of the hottest talent in Aotearoa; J Williams, David Dallas, PNC, DJ Sir-Vere and Vince Harder. These artists and more join the weekend-long youth festival held across two venues.

Dubbed America’s “most successful Pacific Island artist”, Fiji makes his way to New Zealand for a one off show, bringing together some of New Zealand’s finest award winning acts. Featuring alongside Dei Hamo, Erakah, The Freestylers, Cydel and many more, Fiji’s golden voice and blend of reggae, R &B, Hip-Hop and jazz has set him apart from his contemporaries and launched him as a pioneer of the Pacific Island Sound.

Manukau Mayor Len Brown says he is proud to have an established festival of arts in the city and invites everyone to join in this year’s festivities and attend the many events being offered.“So many of the arts are represented in our city and are influenced by our diversity and love of music. It makes us who we are and plays a special role in our community – especially in the areas of music, art and dance.

“A lot of hard work has gone into building this festival over the last three years and that hard work is now paying off with the festival now being considered a significant event on the arts calendar and that’s something we are truly proud of. Not only are we showcasing the brilliance of our own artists but we’re also proving that Manukau is a fantastic place to bring national and international artists.”

Manukau Festival of Arts runs from October 15th – October 31st.
Official programme launched 13 September, Mangere Arts Centre
Visit www.mfa.org.nz for detailed information regarding this year's festivities

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