New Artland is a major new TVNZ art series in which thirteen epic works of art are created in front of the cameras. For the series, thirteen of New Zealand's leading contemporary artists were invited to choose a region or community in Aotearoa that they have a personal connection with, and create a new artwork with the help of locals from that chosen community.

New Artland documents the journey from the artist's studio to the final unveiling, capturing both the artistic process and the experiences of the general public as they become involved with the work. Premiering on TVNZ 6's primetime weeknight Showcase and on TVNZ OnDemand in April 2008, New Artland is hosted by musician and cartoonist Chris Knox.

The show is fresh, diverse, epic, wondrous and, most importantly, accessible to everyday New Zealanders. Community collaboration is a cornerstone of the series, and local councils, schools and cultural institutions across the country have become central partners in the making of the artworks.

Most of the artworks are temporary, impermanent installations. However, some have gained a longer life within the communities they were created for. For example, Judy Millar created a 17-metre billboard artwork with Henderson High School students which has been gifted on long-term loan to Waitakere City Council by special request of Mayor Bob Harvey.

The artists, in alphabetical order, are: Phil Dadson, Judy Darragh, Lonnie Hutchison, Fiona Jack, Judy Millar, Ani O'Neill, Lisa Reihana, John Reynolds, Jim Speers, Michel Tuffery, Ronnie Van Hout, Ans Westra, and emerging art stars Amy Howden-Chapman & Biddy Livesy (aka Raised By Wolves).

New Artland host Chris Knox is one of the living legends of the Flying Nun music catalogue, and a popular cartoonist and film reviewer. He was recently the host of TV One's classic movie series, The Vault, and traveled to India for Intrepid Journeys. He also contributed an essay to the catalogue for the touring Bill Hammond exhibition Jingle Jangle Morning.

The company behind New Artland is the award-winning Television Spaceman (Let's Get Inventin', The Goober Brothers) which is helmed by Luke Nola and Neil Stichbury. New Artland is produced by Gemma Gracewood, who has previously produced the TV One arts current affairs series Frontseat, a documentary with Flight of the Conchords, and the award-winning short film Dead Letters. Directing New Artland are John Hagen (Frontseat, Here To Stay) and Summer Agnew (Minginui, Patu Ihu, SPADA Young Director of the Year 2007).

New Artland Sundays and Wednesdays at 8:30pm You can catch New Artland for FREE here ondemand!