Who we are
The Festival’s lifeblood is arts and culture in contemporary Tāmaki Makaurau. We care deeply about celebrating artists both here in Aotearoa and from around the world, serving the creatives and communities behind the works we present, honouring te reo and te ao Māori in all that we do, and contributing to a better city and society. That’s us.
Every March you’ll see a big reunion with our city’s arts community — many of whom we consider our whānau whānui, our extended family — alongside our mahi towards better accessibility and education opportunities for our audiences. We’re also passionate about the works we curate and our collaboration with the many people who make those experiences happen. We strive to celebrate with generosity; human connection and manaakitanga will always be at the heart of what we stand for.
When we’re on, we’re on a mission to make Auckland an amazing place to socialise and be entertained in. Whether you’re discovering the city for the first time or rekindling your love for its hidden gems, we truly believe there’s something for everyone at the Festival.
Learn more about our past Festivals and events:
What’s it like to come to the Festival?
For 18 days in March, there are shows, gatherings and performances to discover every day and night in and around Aotea Square, and even more across Tāmaki. You might encounter us from a seat inside one of our city’s iconic venues, seeing a free outdoor or roaming event, visiting an art gallery, or simply hanging out in one of our spaces. The Festival is yours to explore and have fun with. Everyone is welcome.
The coming together of friends and strangers in a feast of shared experiences generates a special electricity. This energy of people and performers is Te Ahurei Toi o Tāmaki Auckland Arts Festival.
A full lineup for the 2025 Festival will be announced on 13 November. To be the first to know about next year’s events and more, sign up for the latest announcements:
Who curates the Festival?
Bernie Haldane, Kaitohu Toi · Artistic Director, Ataahua Papa, Kaihautū Māori, and an experienced programming team lead the curation of new, commissioned and existing works for the Festival. Robbie Macrae oversees the running of the Festival as Kaiwhakahaere Matua · Chief Executive.
The wider team expands every year to produce the Festival across the key areas of technical, marketing, partnerships, and business and finance. Collectively we work together to grow initiatives such as Access & Inclusion, Creative Learning and Toitū Te Reo, which is part of Tuia Te Muka Kōrero, the Festival’s Māori strategy.
We also actively support Aotearoa artists in the making and presenting of new works, big and small, in partnership with producers, creators and performers across the arts and culture sector.
Want to join the Festival team? We recruit throughout the year and post job opportunities as they come to hand:
How do I participate as an artist?
Planning for the Festival’s annual lineup of events is an ongoing process and we’re often working on multiple years at the same time. Participation as an artist or artistic company — whether local or international, emerging or established – is by invitation and we are always on the lookout for new projects that push the boundaries of possibility.
We welcome artists and companies with exciting ideas to get in touch with information about their work at artisticdirector@aaf.co.nz
For works and ideas of kaupapa Māori, kaupapa Pasifika and Indigenous origin, please contact kaihautumaori@aaf.co.nz
If you are an artist or arts professional, we encourage you to sign up for relevant updates, exclusive discounts and more:
How can I become a Patron or Partner?
A group of passionate individuals and organisations proudly call themselves supporters of the Festival, and help us show that art is alive and well in our wonderful city.
To find out more about supporting us as a Festival Patron or becoming a Festival Partner, please contact Vanessa Morgan
How do I make a donation?
While the Festival receives core funding from Auckland Council and Creative New Zealand, and major funding from Foundation North, philanthropic support from Patrons, Donors, Partners and other Funders is vital to the mahi and aspirations of our organisation — and by extension, the artists, audiences and communities we serve.
The Auckland Festival Trust, which runs the Festival, has been a registered charity since 2008 (CC22145). Donations are tax deductible.
We are always striving to do more, and accept donations towards our mission of taking the arts to people all over Tāmaki Makaurau.
There are simple ways to assist with direct, tangible results — read more about the ways your support makes it happen, or make a donation today in just a few clicks: