MEDIA RELEASE
28 July 2006
SKYCITY Named Principal Sponsor of Auckland Festival AK07
SKYCITY Auckland today announced it has become the principal sponsor of Auckland Festival AK07, a 16-day feast of visual
and performing arts to be held in Auckland from 9 February to 24 March 2007.
SKYCITY General Manager of Communications, Megan McSweeney, said SKYCITY was proud to support a festival with such scope
and strong international flavour.
“Auckland Festival AK07 is about bringing the best the world can offer to the New Zealand stage, and sharing a slice of
New Zealand’s own art and culture with the local and international audiences the festival attracts. It’s incredibly
exciting to have such a diverse selection of performances happening here in our backyard,” said Ms McSweeney.
Chief Executive of Auckland Festival AK07, David Malacari, said the decision by SKYCITY to become the principal sponsor
of the festival demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting New Zealand art and artists. “We’re thrilled that SKYCITY
has joined us in this celebration of artistic courage and triumph, helping us to deliver a programme that will fuel the
curiosity and imagination of everyone,” said Mr Malacari.
Over the last decade SKYCITY has supported hundreds of arts and creative organisations. “Auckland Festival AK07 is about
engaging audiences by delivering fun and entertainment, which is why SKYCITY has chosen to be involved,” said Ms
McSweeney. “It made perfect sense to give SKYCITY’s full backing to this celebration of art and culture in the heart of
Auckland City."
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 lovers to the city centre and wider suburbs where large outdoor events were staged.
Auckland Festival AK07 promises to deliver an inspiring and exciting selection of new and ambitious New Zealand and
Pacific work and an impressive international line-up. It will feature 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.
ENDS