Sculpture on the Gulf trail opens tomorrow

Tomorrow Waiheke Island’s 2017 headland Sculpture on the Gulf exhibition opens to the public with 34 magnificent newly created works by New Zealand’s top artists.

From 27 January until 19 February, more than 55,000 people are expected to walk the spectacular two kilometre trail on Waiheke’s beautiful Matiatia Headland.

headland Sculpture on the Gulf is proudly presented by Jaguar and was established in 2003 by the Waiheke Community Art Gallery. Since then it has become a biennial staple of the summer calendar and has been called a “must see” attraction by the New York Times.

headland Sculpture on the Gulf Director of Cultural Programmes Zara Stanhope says 2017 has attracted a wide range of artists to respond to Waiheke and its history with newly made works, including social and participatory projects, that are purposefully positioned along the track and at Matiatia.

“We have some familiar faces returning as well as some notable artists making their Sculpture on the Gulf debut. The calibre and range of sculpture and works on display this year is to be celebrated, with each artwork having a unique relationship with its environment. This event allows audiences to engage with ambitious and exceptional works by some of the best New Zealand artists.”

Artists for the 2017 headland Sculpture on the Gulf:

• Anton Parsons
• Brett Graham
• Chris Booth
• Chris Bailey
• Dane Mitchell
• David McCracken
• Denis O’Connor
• Dion Hitchens
• Gregor Kregar
• Ioane Ioane
• Jae Kang
• Jeff Thomson
• Jeremy Leatinu’u
• Jim Speers & Guo Zixuan
• Jon Hall
• Kazu Nakagawa & Helen Bowater
• Martin Awa Clarke Langdon
• Matt Ellwood
• Maureen Lander & the Kaihanga Kara Collective
• Michel Tuffery
• Natalie Guy
• Paora Toi-Te-Rangiuaia
• Paul Cullen
• Paul Dibble
• Phil Price
• Richard Maloy
• Robert Jahnke
• Sēmisi Fetokai Potauaine
• Shannon Novak & Raimana Jones
• Sriwhana Spong
• Tiffany Singh
• Veronica Herber
• Virginia King
• Olivia Webb

Visitors are encouraged to take part in the Peoples’ Choice Award and vote for their favourite sculpture. One lucky voter will win the ultimate Waiheke package worth $2200 which includes two nights at The Boatshed, a private dinner, a picnic at Connells Bay Sculpture park, daily breakfast and on island transfers. Votes will be collected electronically at the Pavilion which will be situated at Matiatia Bay at the end of the trail.

Inside the Pavilion the Waiheke Community Art Gallery will be running another exhibition featuring smaller sculptures from the participating walkway and other top New Zealand artists. Guests can also taste the very best of Waiheke with local food and drink available.

Without public support, this not-for-profit event would not be possible. The exhibition has always asked for donations but in 2017 it will be even easier to make a contribution with Eftpos and payWave available ahead of the trail.  All surplus made by headland Sculpture on the Gulf is reinvested in the promotion of the visual arts on Waiheke Island.