Auckland Museum's Sculpture Symposium aims to examine issues surrounding public sculpture in Auckland today.

Auckland Museum's Sculpture Symposium aims to examine issues surrounding public sculpture in Auckland today. Presentations and discussions will be held relating to current artists and artworks, along with the practical, community related, and symbolic aspects of Auckland public sculpture, giving the Auckland art world the opportunity to formulate ideas about where sculpture will take the city and its people in the future. The Sculpture Symposium - the APEC Room, Auckland Museum, May 9, 11, 13, 16, 18 and 20 from 3-5pm. Held in association with the Heart of Art Festival.

What can public sculpture tell us about the artists and about the city we live in? How do sculptors make a living? What does it mean to be a patron of the arts in Auckland? What up-and-coming projects can we anticipate in the Auckland area? These are just some of the questions that will be discussed throughout this six-part symposium, which will feature a wide range of speakers from various artistic backgrounds and areas of expertise. Auckland-area art historians and sculptors alike will share their insights and unique perspectives. The concluding panel discussion, to be chaired by museum director Dr Rodney Wilson, will provide a forum for tying together the issues brought forth throughout the course of the symposium, and this open-floor session will allow members of the art community to voice their visions for Auckland's sculptural future. Public sculpture is evolving rapidly, and Auckland is no exception to the trend. The Auckland City Sculpture Trust was formed in 2001 to "promote art in Auckland city for the benefit of the people through the commissioning, acquisition and installation of artworks." Right now, Sculpture 2001 (with support from Auckland City), the PA Edmiston Trust, and the Lottery Grants Board are finishing a 2004-2005 installation that will bring a total of eight new sculptures to the Auckland Domain. Preceding the symposium, on Sunday 8 May at 3pm in the APEC Room, the Museum, in association with the New Zealand Film Archive, will screen a series of films examining the work of some leading New Zealand sculptors, such as Alexander Fraser, Len Lye, Arnold Wilson and Para Matchitt. Also included are films about two artists who have works in the Domain, Fred Graham and Greer Twiss. In each case, the films represent a rare opportunity to observe these accomplished artists at work and to hear them discuss their artistic practice. Fred and Greer will provide a special introduction to the screening.

SYMPOSIUM PROGRAMME Monday 9 May, 3pm Current Explorations, Journeys and Discoveries in Sculpture What are contemporary Auckland sculptors working on and in? Today's session will consist of a number of Auckland-area artists presenting their recent and forthcoming sculptural projects. Artists will discuss the meaning of their work in the context of Auckland today, as well as the motivations for their work and the process of creation.Speakers: Greer Twiss, Virginia King, Fred Graham, Chiara Corbelletto Wednesday 11 May, 3pm

Surviving as a Sculptor: Practical Issues, Part 1 What are some of the obstacles sculptors face in Auckland as they attempt to get their work supported, shown and made accessible to the public? How do these artists make a living from their work? What about artists' residencies? Today's speakers will discuss current issues surrounding the economics of being an artist/sculptor in Aotearoa, specifically here in Auckland, and the methods used to address artists' needs. Speakers: Fatu Feu'u, John Ioane, Jim Wheeler, Filipe Tohi Convenor: Maggie Gresson Friday 13 May, 3pm

Helping Sculptors Survive: Practical Issues, Part 2 How do artists find support within the community, and how does their work attract patronage and publicity? Today's session will examine the organizations and processes behind bringing artists' work into the public sphere. Speakers will address issues of organizational support, art agents and patrons, and the ways in which artists and arts workers collaborate to get new works commissioned and publicised. Speakers: Maggie Gresson, Deborah White, Lonnie Hutchinson Convenor: Lyndy Sainsbury Monday 16 May, 3pm

Sculpting Society: Collaboration Between Artists and Community A strong community awareness of the arts is integral to a society's overall wellness. Today's session revolves around the collaboration between artists and the community and will examine how Auckland can become an advocate for the arts through community involvement and public display. How, where and what can Auckland display publicly? How can organisations, artists, arts educators, businesses, and the wider community and City Council collaborate to provide environments in which arts and culture can flourish and prosper within Auckland? Speakers will share their experiences and ideas relating to community cultural development projects. Speakers: Warren Pringle, Naomi McCleary, Caroline Robinson Convenor: Philip Clarke Wednesday 18 May, 3pm

Sculpture as a Metaphor: Reading Auckland's Identity Through Symbol Auckland has a rich cultural heritage that can be expressed through the use of sculpture as a symbol of life in Aotearoa, both past and present. Speakers will discuss how Auckland's identity has been imaged in sculpture, with particular reference to contemporary works, the artists involved in major public works, and possibilities for future projects. Speakers: Dr. Richard Cooper, Brett Graham, Mario Madayag, James Webster Convenor: Kaaren Goodall Friday 20 May, 3pm

Panel Discussion Chaired by Dr. Rodney Wilson, this final session will bring closure to the symposium through synthesis of discussed topics. There will be an open floor for discussion regarding the issues covered and visions for the future. Speakers: Warren Pringle, Maggie Gresson, Caroline Robinson, John Gow Chair: Dr. Rodney Wilson Friday 20 May, 5pm

Meet the Speakers The symposium attendees are invited to join the artists and other participants for a light refreshment, and an opportunity to exchange thoughts and ideas. This gathering will be held following the final session. Cost - $5. Further Museum related art events