Art, Nature, Wine And Food In Expanded Waiheke Biennale

Media Release
13 September, 2012

Sculpture - 1

headland Sculpture on the Gulf 2013

Art, Nature, Wine And Food In Expanded Waiheke Biennale

A much expanded Waiheke ‘experience’ awaits visitors to the headland Sculpture on the Gulf outdoor sculpture exhibition on the Island in late January.

It’s the 10th anniversary of the event and to celebrate the milestone the organisers have introduced a number of changes to enhance it for the 40,000-plus expected visitors.

A huge marquee Pavilion on the waterfront at Matiatia will welcome visitors and provide them with a range of activities, hospitality and entertainment, before and after the stunning sculpture walk itself.

Project Manager Nicky Cairns says the event itself is not changing.

“We’re simply adding to it, to make it a more complete ‘Waiheke experience’ for visitors. We have so many talented artists, musicians, winemakers, chefs and producers of all sorts on the island, we want to showcase them, and share them with our guests at headland in ways that haven’t been possible until now.”

The Pavilion will cover more than 600 square metres and include a dedicated small sculpture gallery, a restaurant, bars and produce hall. It will offer world class Waiheke wines, food and music, with wine and artisan beer tastings, artists’ talks and other special events.

“For example, visitors can enjoy twilight walks followed by superb wines, beautiful food and good music by candlelight, watching the sun set over Matiatia Bay,” Ms Cairns says.

Artistic Director Nansi Thompson says the event will still be all about the sculpture, which will be fantastic.

“Our selectors have done a wonderful job, and have put together a really interesting combination of works [see attached backgrounder]. This year we also have several large impressive works from invited artists in and around the Pavilion, as well as lots of smaller sculptures in the Pavilion gallery.

“So we’re keeping all the great things Sculpture on the Gulf is famous for, and enhancing them. It really will be a complete sensory experience this time,” Ms Thompson says.

The selected sculptures are being judged independently by Rhana Davenport, Director of the Govett Brewster Gallery (New Plymouth), and there will be a number of awards with grants to the successful artists.

Another innovation in 2013 is reversing the walk. Visitors will be bussed directly from the Pavilion to what used to be the end of the walk, make their way along the sculpture trail and, largely downhill, back to Matiatia, the Pavilion and the ferries.

headland Sculpture on the Gulf Ltd chair Stephen Tozer says the organisers have set out to create a very different event in 2013.

“Our aim is to provide an unforgettable Waiheke experience. A proper welcome and hospitality for our guests, and a stress-free, really enjoyable visit.

“The sculpture walk itself will be as impressive as ever, but there’ll be no concerns about transport, what to do after the walk, where to find food, drink or entertainment - it will all be there at the Pavilion, two minutes from the ferry - a real taste of Waiheke. The island’s a special place, and this is going to be a very special event. No doubt about it, it’ll be fantastic!” Mr Tozer says.

The event is open daily from 8.30am from 25 January to 17 February 2013. It is free to walk the track, although donations are encouraged. headland Sculpture on the Gulf relies completely on sponsorship, grants and donations, to be able to continue.

The major sponsors of headland Sculpture on the Gulf 2013 are Fullers, Westpac, Lexus and gen-i, and for the first time, Parsons Brinckerhoff, which also sponsors Sculpture by the Sea in Sydney. Generous funding has also been received from Creative New Zealand, the ASB Foundation, the Lion Foundation, and the local Waiheke Board.

For further information visit www.sculptureonthegulf.co.nz or facebook.com/SculptureontheGulf

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Pattersons Architects

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