Dunedin Public Libraries is honoured to host the Spiral Collectives exhibition.

The exhibition, on display on the city library’s third floor from 31 July to 18 October, celebrates the remarkable legacy of the Spiral Collectives and the creative voices it has championed. Featuring 19 cherished artists and writers whose lives and work are represented in Spiral’s anniversary publications Spiral 8 and Some Stories, the exhibition reflects decades of creativity, courage, connection and collective kaupapa. It includes Heritage publications from the library’s collections, alongside works published by Spiral and by many of the individuals featured, offering visitors a rich glimpse into an important part of Aotearoa’s literary and artistic history.

A highlight of the programme was the panel discussion presented by the bone people collective on 31 July. Project facilitators Becca Barnes (Ngāi Tahu, Pākehā), Madison Kelly (Kāi Tahu, Kāti Mamoe) and Cathasaigh O'Fiannachta shared insights into their adaptation of Keri Hulme’s novel as a graphic novel to become the basis for an animation, and their commitment to safeguarding the mana of this literary taonga while creating something new for future generations. The discussion explored the collective vision behind the project and acknowledged the support and guidance of Keri Hulme’s whānau, who are the kaitiaki of her legacy. The panel was both inspiring and thought-provoking.

We warmly acknowledge the generous funding provided by the newly formed Dunedin Public Libraries Heritage Foundation, who covered the travel costs for the panel members and helped make this wonderful event possible.

If you have not yet visited, we encourage you to head to the Reed Gallery on third floor of Dunedin City Library and experience this thoughtful and inspiring exhibition for yourselves.