ignite07 sparks creative fire in young New Zealand

ignite07 sparks creative fire in young New Zealanders

A cutting-edge youth arts festival, ignite07, that releases the creative energies of young people today, returns to THE EDGE® from 23 April – 6 May with a cross-genre programme bursting at the seams with new New Zealand theatre, dance, music and visual arts – a first for the festival since it began in 2001.

Programmed and nurtured by THE EDGE® Public Programmes, ignite07 opens up new pathways for young people to find their voice in the creative arts through an intense programme of thought-provoking and power-packed workshops, seminars and exhibitions.

“ignite07 is a treasure in THE EDGE® Public Programmes. It connects the fiery aspirations and curiosity of young performers, aged 15 – 25, with the experience of established artists to create collaborative works that inspire, touch and delight people of all ages,” said Sally Markham, Public Programmes Manager at THE EDGE®.

“We achieve this by providing a platform that doesn’t otherwise exist in this country. We work with young performers who are loud, proud and confident. They are driven to push themselves to the edge of their craft,” she added.

Highlights in this year’s visual arts programme include: The New Cool – an interactive, multi-media exhibition that showcases Aotearoa’s new generation of street smart creative entrepreneurs who are the undisputed ‘new cool’ of business; Making the Grade – a two part seminar which provides an opportunity to interact with the entrepreneurs of
The New Cool, and Re-Define which invites young people to explore through art what it means to be a young person in Aotearoa today.

Another popular feature returning to ignite07 is The Best of Flip the Script – the NZ Idol of script writing. With local personality Jan-Maree as the MC, young actors and writers battle against it out in front of audiences for five nights of bited-sized drama, with the grand final determining the best script and talent on Saturday 5 May.

Workshops and student matinées carry limited numbers. To register interest, please contact Nicole Ramage, Programme Coordinator, Arts and Audience Development at nicoler@the-edge.co.nz or phone (09) 307 5092.

In addition to student matinées, ignite07 runs a series of performances for general audiences to enjoy. “Our programme is alive with powerful productions such as Renu O Te Ra – The Edge of the Sun, Up Close Out Loud and Maui – One Man Against the Gods. These spectacular works truly belong to this land and make our programme a standout feature of Auckland’s arts calendar,” Markham highlighted.

Ticketing, venue and programming information can be found online at: www.ignite.co.nz.

Auckland City is the key programme partner for ignite07.

THE EDGE® Public Programmes provides an innovative, exciting and diverse selection of free or low-cost events throughout the year for all of Auckland's communities.

ENDS

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