The role of biennials and triennials today is a vital one within the cultural life of cities. These events foreground creativity and original thinking, and are platforms for debate, stimulating new networks among artistic communities from diverse international contexts. New audiences are generated by triennials as public spaces are utilised for stimulation and creative engagement. The art of today is at the heart of these recurring international art projects. This focus is essential as we continue to learn about ourselves and other environments through the actions, explorations and innovations of contemporary artists.
As a series of multi-venue, Auckland-wide, contemporary art events, the ambitious Auckland Triennial project aims to connect contemporary art to people across the city’s diverse communities. The Triennials create opportunities for Aucklanders and visitors to the city to experience the art and ideas of some of the world’s most influential and formative artists. Importantly, the Triennial project has created a vital space for people to participate in discussion, and contribute to creative research, knowledge sharing and idea generation.
Delivering New Zealand’s major international contemporary art event every three years since 2001 has been a vast task; it is one the Gallery cannot undertake alone. We are deeply indebted to the partners and supporters who share our belief in the Triennial’s potential to contribute as a creative force for Auckland and Aotearoa New Zealand.
The first five Auckland Triennial websites represent a thorough record of Triennial artists, artworks, curators, themes, exhibitions, public programmes, symposia, research, publishing and collection development, and acknowledge our crucially important partners and investors.
The impact of the Auckland Triennial to date provides a powerful basis for future initiatives of this scale, scope and ambition for Auckland, New Zealand and our engagements globally.
Rhana Devenport
Director, Auckland Art Gallery