Local artists go wild in Auckland

Aucklanders should embrace ArtWeek which kicks off today to promote local creators and their artwork, says a local artist.

Local ceramic artist Craig Fletcher believes that we need more initiatives like the 10-day festival but shouldn't rely only on annual events to display art throughout the city.

“The city should embrace these kinds of events, people love them and it draws in large crowds," he said.

Fletcher says there should be more street art in Auckland, and not just when it’s ArtWeek.

"When you travel to Europe there tends to be more public art than there is in New Zealand, but that's getting better and better all the time here, as is evidenced by ArtWeek.”

He and other artists use these events to not only display their work but to collaborate with other Kiwi creators.

“Our friend Liam Downes came up with the idea, as he thought it would be good fun to work together for a week and have a pop-up gallery, and he found this space that is a council-owned space”.

They will also be joining Art Battle Auckland’s live paint-off at bar Paname Social on October 12th.

All are welcome to watch two artists going brush to brush for the chance to be champion, where the pieces created will be available for quick sale.

ArtWeek, organised by the Heart of the City, will have more than 50 pop-up exhibitions, galleries, laneway installations, free art walks featured, as well as ‘Late Night Art’ taking place from October 6-15.