11 May 2009
![Opening events for New Zealands participation in the Venice Biennale](/-/media/project/creative-nz/creativenz/heroimages/m-media_pattern.png?w=640&hash=8A40E76408AFEE78D5D3C3F91E8A1D73)
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Judy Millar and Francis Upritchard’s exhibitions will be launched on 3 June starting with an early morning traditional blessing at the venues by a Māori kaumatua (elder). This will be followed by a powhiri (Māori welcome ceremony) by a 20-strong award-winning Kapa Haka group Te Waka Huia, and breakfast in St Mark’s Square, accompanied by a performance by world music group Moana and the Tribe.
The official openings of the exhibitions for each artist will be held on 4 June beginning at Fondazione Claudio Buziol (5-7pm) and proceeding to La Maddalena (7-9pm).
New Zealands unique blend of contemporary and design culture has given rise to a fresh and vibrant Pacific identity. Kiwi culture is about being innovative, independent and celebrating diversity which has led to artists developing a Pacific style seen nowhere else in the world. Featured at Judy Millar’s venue, La Maddalena, will be the New Zealand Room, a meeting place for visitors to explore New Zealand’s contemporary art, culture, literature and design.
The entrance way will be adorned by a unique waharoa (gateway sculpture) by highly regarded Maori artist George Nuku, and visitors will be able to participate in the New Zealand room’s interactive features as well as enter an online competition to win an “Arts Tour of New Zealand”.
Event details:
3 June St Marks Square
7.30am Traditional Māori blessing with karakia(prayers) andwaiata (songs) at La Maddalena and Fondazione Claudio Buzio(8.15am)
9.30am powhiri (traditional Māori welcome) in St Mark’s Square outside the famous Florian’s Café, with performance by twenty strong kapa haka (traditional Māori performance) champions, Waka Huia for guests of New Zealand at Venice.
10.15amMoana and the Tribe perform
4 June
5-7pm opening exhibition event for FrancisUpritchardat Fondazione Cladio Buziol
7-9pm opening exhibition event for Judy Millar at La Maddalena
Exhibition opening times:
7 June – 22 November 2009, Tuesday – Sunday, 10am-6pm
Nearest Vaporetto:
Ca’ d’Oro/S.Marcuola
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