Mazda to sponsor Auckland’s favourite art event

Media Release
3 May 2005

Mazda signs as naming sponsor for Auckland’s favourite art event
- Mazda Artworks at the Hilton –

Mazda has shifted its sponsorship of the annual Artworks charity art exhibition and sale up a gear with today’s announcement that it is the naming rights sponsor for this year’s August event. It will now be known as Mazda Artworks at the Hilton.

In the three years that Artworks has been running, it has truly captured the attention of art lovers as the place to buy art due to the affordable prices and the sheer volume and variety of New Zealand art on offer under one roof. Importantly, the event which is organised by the Rotary Club of Ellerslie Sunrise has consistently been one of Auckland’s most successful fundraising events.

Mazda New Zealand’s managing director, Peter Aitken, said that Mazda is pleased to be able to cement its ongoing commitment to the event through the naming sponsor rights.

“Mazda is closely aligned with the arts and has been involved with Artworks since its inception, as the major sponsor and also by introducing an emerging art component through the Mazda Emerging Artist Award.

“As a company we seek to further our involvement in both youth and art related fields, so this latest announcement is a natural progression for us,” said Mr Aitken.

The charitable partners of Artworks are also committed to providing a better future for young New Zealanders. This year the total proceeds from the commission of art sales will be split between: Variety – the Children’s Charity, The Spirit of Adventure Trust, The Malaghan Institute of Medical Research, The Liggins Institute and the Dymocks Literary Foundation.

Matthew Adams, Artworks Chairman said that the confirmation of Mazda as naming rights sponsor is an exciting prospect for the ongoing development of the event as a key showcase of New Zealand art.

“This endorsement and support by a leading company adds to the credibility of Mazda Artworks as a major art and fundraising event, and reaffirms to the artists, other sponsors and key partners that it is poised for even bigger things this year.

“Mazda has been critical in not only supporting, but evolving the event over the years, and I am delighted the relationship has progressed to the next level.”

Mazda Artworks provides a unique platform for Mazda to showcase its new vehicles to the public outside the traditional motoring environment.

Last year, three of Mazda’s brand new Mazda3 vehicles were on display among the Mazda Emerging Art exhibition and were blank canvases which were transformed in to works of art by two of New Zealand’s leading graffiti artists. This year, guests to Mazda Artworks will get a sneak preview of the much-anticipated, next-generation MX-5 before it hits the vehicle showrooms.

“Many parallels can be drawn between the event and the Mazda brand with the focus on design, fun and accessibility,” said Mr Aitken. “Mazda vehicles are all about the ‘zoom-zoom’ fun to drive factor. Not only that, we believe they are accessible to anybody. Likewise, Mazda Artworks is about coming along and enjoying the art, and enabling people to make owning a piece of art a reality.”

Mazda Artworks will run at the Hilton Hotel on Princes Wharf, Auckland from Monday 22nd August to Saturday 27th August. Further details of Mazda Artworks activity and associated events will be announced over the coming months, including details of more public opportunities to enjoy and learn more about art.

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