Tēnā koutou e te whānau – where has the year gone? We hope this last Toi Oho issue for 2022 finds you well as we all gear up for a summer full of creative activities, sun and memories.

We recognise that some in our creative communities continue to face ongoing, and new, challenges. Working with and advocating for our diverse arts, cultural, and creative people will continue to be a significant part of our mahi in the new year.

Activities in the city have come in all shapes and sizes: the small – the Messages of Aroha project run by John MacGlashan College’s Kimberley Fridd and Reva Grills; the medium – WEA Art classes in South Dunedin; the large – citywide celebrations for Aotearoa’s first Matariki public holiday.

As you may have heard, our talented manager Kirsty Glengarry has relocated to Ōtautahi to take up the position of Public Programmes Manager at the Christchurch City Gallery. While we were sad to see Kirsty go, we tautoko the many contributions she has made to Ōtepoti and look forward to seeing her mahi take shape in the Garden City.

In this Toi Oho, we talk about the work that has gone into building a distinctive Ara Toi Instagram presence and the positive outcomes of elevating local mahi toi on a platform used by many creatives. Writer and community coordinator Stacey Kokaua speaks about the work put in by the organisers and Pāsifika communities to ensure the success of the second Moana Nui Festival in September, which placed Pāsifika culture and identity front and centre.

Catch up on updates on the local film sector and information about upcoming opportunities, and when you’re looking for things to do with the whānau over summer, be sure to check out the DCC Events Calendar, Under the Radar, Eventfinda, and of course keep an eye on @aratoiotepoti!!

Mā te wā, the Ara Toi team.