Eko – Arts Diversity

Eko was formed in 2008 to develop socially engaged arts practice in Aotearoa with the aim of bringing into the public arena through artistic excellence: the perspectives of people; marginalised communities; communities experiencing conflict; or people involved in critical national issues. Our whakatauāki:
Me ngākau mōhio ki te kaha rangapū kia kitea ai te rerenga kētanga.
In aan aqoonsano iskuduubnaashadeena iyo kala duwanaanshadeena.
Understanding collective strength and recognising diversity.
Core Purpose
To connect communities through access to & participation in high quality arts experiences.
To raise awareness of participating communities to a wider audience & promote positive change.
To create, present and tour high quality inter-art new work made with leading professional artists in collaboration with participating communities.

Projects 2011
Crossing Lines: The Performance

Connections between Māori and Somali of Wellington are presented in a new exhibition and performance called Crossing Lines.

Crossing Lines: The Performance is theatre that starts with large projection and shadow imagery and moves to intimate and personal poetics. It is an exhilarating journey as the audience travels though sites in the large warehouse venue. At the heart of Crossing Lines is performances by four young Māori & Somali actors responding to contemporary questions of insider & outsider relationships & belonging.

“Through artistic exploration the perspectives of 400 people who have been part of the project so far form \’Crossing Lines\’. The innovative inter art presentation will inspire and entertain diverse audiences.”
Heather Timms, Director

Crossing Lines: The Exhibition

Crossing Lines: The Exhibition is an installation of voice and image and represents the 400 people who have been part of the Southern Corridor Project over the last two years. The exhibitions hold insights into land, journey & relationships. It has an interactive component using high tech sensors with a touch of low tech.

Crossing Lines is part of the ongoing Southern Corridor Project by Eko that began over two years ago.
The Southern Corridor Project presents in Crossing Lines professional and innovative art that explores and holds emerging & important questions from participating Māori and Somali communities. The Southern Corridor Project has offered a platform for people within these two communities to talk with the third community of Eko.

For information contact Lisa Maule.

Back to top