Stage Set to Nurture South Auckland Talent

24 September 2010

Stage Set to Nurture South Auckland Creative Talent

The script is ready, the stage is set and the cast are waiting eagerly in the wings for the curtain to rise on Auckland’s newest creative arts education centre.

Responding to the abundance of creative talent in South Auckland, Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT), is unveiling its new Department of Creative Arts.

MIT already has an excellent reputation in visual arts education. Its Department of Creative Arts will encompass a School of Creative Writing, a School of Performing Arts and the existing Manukau School of Visual Arts (MSVA). Together, the three schools will deliver a suite of new creative arts programmes from February 2011.

Strongly reflecting the Counties Manukau community, the Department of Creative Arts will offer qualifications from certificate and diploma through to degree level in progressive years. This will give students a complete, focussed pathway into their chosen field.

Dr Peter Brothers, MIT’s Chief Executive, says this is an exciting opportunity for both MIT and the community.

“We know that South Auckland and the wider Counties Manukau community are alive with creative talent in the arts,” says Dr Brothers.

“Our vision is to play a leading role in fostering and developing this talent, to help create the country’s next generation of successful artists, writers and performers. In bringing all these creative elements together we believe we can offer the region the best in creative education and vocational training.”

To deliver this vision, an impressive cast of accomplished, professionals has been drawn together.

Dr Ken Larsen, distinguished writer and former Head of Department of English at the University of Auckland, is taking centre stage as Founding Head of the Department of Creative Arts.

Robert Sullivan, (Ngapuhi) one of New Zealand’s foremost poets and former Head of Creative Writing at the University of Hawaii, will develop the School of Creative Writing as its Head.

David Coddington of South Seas Film and Television Limited will direct the School of Performing Arts. The school is being established in collaboration with South Seas Film and Television, which is a well-established and successful private training organisation operating on the North Shore. The School will offer courses in acting, dance and music. David has 40 years acting, directing and teaching experience.

Grant Thompson has been appointed Head of School for Visual Arts. Grant is a well respected art curator and writer with a background in craft practices. Most recently he has written on the work of the New Zealand contemporary jeweller Mary Curtis for her exhibition at Auckland’s Objectspace gallery.

A fourth school focussing on Film and Television animation is envisaged in the future.

ends

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