Arts Centre farewells Sculpture Festival curator

When The Arts Centre Sculpture Festival opens to the public on Saturday 5th October, it will mark curator Koji Miyazaki’s final year in the role.

Just five years old, the annual Sculpture Festival now has a much-anticipated place on Christchurch’s cultural calendar. As inaugural curator, and a jeweller himself, Miyazaki treats jewellery and domestic-scale three-dimensional form with the same respect as monumental sculpture. It is a perfect fit with the accessible creative programming of Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre.

True to form, this year’s festival has over 300 works by 37 New Zealand artists including jewellery, ceramics, glass, mixed media, and sculpture. Most will be shown in the Great Hall. The building’s heritage architecture, stained glass window and soaring ceiling have proved the perfect backdrop for the many intricate objects on display. Entry is free.

Miyazaki says people will find most pieces highly relatable. “As with all art, these objects can make you feel something new... sometimes it is just the beauty of the form that draws a response. Other times it is a sense of connection: an emotional response, or a reminder of events or people from our past.”

Proceeds from sales go to the artist and The Arts Centre. Buying a piece of sculpture is not something most people do every day, Miyazaki admits. “It’s something unique, something different than commercially mass-produced items. And so, it’s also an expression of personality.” But given the bespoke nature of art, Miyazaki is clear: “If you love it, buy it now - you may never see it again.”

Miyazaki himself is moving to Japan in November. “Those first few years I was so nervous. But every year, getting such great support and feedback - from artist’s communications and people’s comments at the exhibition - it feels like I have done something worthwhile,” he says.

The Arts Centre’s Creative Director Chris Archer says “We will miss Koji’s deep commitment to object art and his enthusiasm for the festival. He has been a great friend of The Arts Centre – we have built this festival together - and we wish him well on his next life adventure.”

For his part, Miyazaki says “part of the reason why this festival works is that all artists are given equal importance,” and working with “an awesome team” is his most enjoyable memory.

Some places are still available at artist workshops over the opening weekend. These cover ceramics, harakeke weaving, and scratch-building (making models without a kit). Advance bookings required. Check The Arts Centre website for full details.

ENDS

Summary of useful information

5-20 October 2024.

In the Great Hall & North Quad.

Closest entrances are off Worcester Blvd or Rolleston Ave.

Mobility permit parking available on Rolleston Ave and from Hereford St (onsite carpark beside the Observatory Hotel).

Bicycle parking onsite, including Locky Dock on Montreal St.

Free entry to view the festival.

Tickets on sale now for creative workshops.