The ground-breaking symposium aims to develop international awareness of locally produced work and link off-shore practices to conversations around New Zealand's shifting cultural and creative identities.
"New media" artists explore the new opportunities for artistic and cultural expression in the wake of the personal computer, mobile devices and digital networks. A key message from many of the artists is that the new media environment is not necessarily opposed to traditional artistic and cultural practices.
"The most interesting work in new media isn't always located in the US or Europe - it's right under our noses in the Asia Pacific rim," says co-ordinator Danny Butt.
There is a huge pool of creativity and innovation in this region, especially in New Zealand, that is already creating waves internationally.
Some of the questions that arise around biculturalism for example, aren't only happening within New Zealand. All countries are made up cultures with diverse histories and languages that have changed through colonisation and globalisation. How do we deal with that history? That is a key question in the arts right now. The vibrant international networks of indigenous artists show us that there's nothing about belonging to a particular place that stops you collaborating with other places and cultures.
"This event is really about bringing great artists and curators from overseas to engage with local artists and the local environment. The benefits go both ways," he adds. "It's also significant that we are holding this on Hoani Waititi marae - it's a great opportunity for people to engage with the Maori cultural context."
Cultural Futures draws together practitioners from as far afield as Delhi, India, home to the celebrated Raqs Media Collective, and from Australia, Canada and the Philippines. Aotearoa New Zealand is well-represented, too, with Albert Refiti, Charles Koroneho, Chaz Doherty, Lisa Reihana, Rachael Rakena, and members of Creative Combat.
Cultural Futures receives sponsorship from Creative New Zealand, Asia New Zealand Foundation and AUT. Creative partners include the University of Auckland, Artspace, the Moving Image Centre and The Lumi鑽e Reader.
