I’ve signed on as Communications Manager with the Auckland Arts Festival, until the end of April 2021, and will be the point of contact for all media enquiries.

We’ve just announced the first three shows from the programme, which will be launched in full on 25 November. AAF 2021 will be 100% Aotearoa, which I’m very excited about. It’s a chance to celebrate local artists, and support them and the wider sector at a challenging time.

Watch the online reveal, which introduces this year’s theme of Aroha, and launches shows from Che-Fu and The Kratez, who will celebrate the 20th anniversary of Che’s seminal album Navigator with an all-ages show at Auckland Town Hall; choral gem Taonga Moana, featuring a composition by Warren Maxwell (Trinity Roots, Little Bushman); and Pūmanawa, an epic kapa haka event I can’t wait to witness.

The video features a really special performance of ‘Waka’ by Che-Fu and his father, former Polynesian Panther Minister of Arts and Culture Tigilau Ness. 2021 marks the Panthers’ 50th anniversary, and this will be honoured through a series of events that will be detailed in the full programme launch later this month.

Interested in covering Auckland Arts Festival 2021? Email me at sarah.illingworth@aaf.co.nz for further information, images and interview requests.

Please note: My work with Great Things continues, although I have limited capacity to take on new contracts until the Festival’s close at the end of March.