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National | Auckland

Exhibition provides insight into Auckland's homeless

The exhibition Ko au te toi. Ko te toi ko au will provide an insight into the unique artistic perspective of some of Auckland's inner-city rough sleepers.

Depot Artspace in Devonport will host the exhibition to celebrate the diverse creativity and talent of a group of participants in the Auckland City Mission's Homeless Services.

Volunteer art tutor of the Mission Activities Programmes, Clare Caldwell says, “The exhibition is a culmination of the deep and transformative processes I have witnessed in my class over the past year as a result of people engaging in art. It is testimony to the focused hard work and goal commitment of the participants and is a celebration of the talent, achievement, and diversity of all the Mission artists.”

Depot staff say they’re excited to work together with the Mission’s tutors, staff and artists on such a fulfilling initiative.

“The arts have the capacity to break down barriers, offer diverse perspectives and change ways of thinking about issues and about ourselves. It’s a great way to provide a new experience for artists and an opportunity for visitors to engage in a different way with them and their work.”

A range of art classes run weekly at the City Mission. Auckland City Mission Homeless Community Service Team Leader, Wilf Holt says the Mission’s Homeless Activities Programme is vital in providing a sense of community and purpose to people who are often left isolated on the margins of society.

“Mission Activities have grown in recent years to include art, photography, carving, pottery, fishing, gardening and more,” says Holt. “These activities help provide a sense of community for the homeless while making a difference to their sense of self-worth and identity.”

I Am the Art & The Art is Me/ Ko au te toi. Ko te toi ko au opens at 2 pm on Saturday 23rd July at Depot Artspace, 28 Clarence Street, Devonport and will feature carving, clay, art and photography works.