AUT Art & Design students have showcased their creative visions for Auckland as part of Dear Auckland & Te Hiringa Wai – A Creative Journey.
AUT STUDENTS’ VISIONS FOR AUCKLAND
A group of AUT Art & Design students have creatively explored what the future of Tāmaki Makaurau could look like through design, technology and storytelling borne out of a new collaboration between AUT, Also Known As (AKA), Auckland FC and Tatāki Auckland Unlimited (TAU).
The emerging designers’ three-month creative journeys are now complete, and their visionary designs were last night unveiled at an exclusive showcase named Dear Auckland & Te Hiringa Wai – A Creative Journey at AUT’s City Campus. Throughout the creative process each student was individually mentored and supported by one of New Zealand’s creative leaders, AKA and Huffer founder, Steve Dunstan.
This video captures their journey, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the ideas, conversations and creative process behind Dear Auckland.
Steve Dunstan says, “Auckland doesn’t need to borrow its identity from anywhere else. It’s already out there on our streets, in our communities and in the minds of young creatives like these students. Working alongside them over the past three months has been inspiring. They’ve shown us the deep thinking this generation brings and proven that tapping into the energy of the streets can inspire real progress for our city.”
Third-year Art & Design student (Spatial), Stacey Prince, says she is excited to present her project ‘Love thy neighbour – Making space for Auckland’s more-than-human inhabitants’ and to see how it contributes to a wider conversation about Auckland’s identity, its people and the other lives that make this place home.
“Working with Steve and the School of Art & Design has been an exciting opportunity to challenge the way I see Auckland and my own creative practice. Naturally, I tried to look beyond the obvious when questioning what makes Auckland, Auckland.
“My project uses Newmarket’s Nuffield Lane to explore how manaakitanga (care) can extend beyond human-focused design to include the flora and fauna that share our urban environments. It challenges us to reconsider who our cities are designed for and how we might better accommodate all our neighbours.
“Dear Auckland has created an opportunity to see Auckland through the individual identities and design languages of a new generation of creatives. You’re truly seeing what Auckland is and what it could be through our eyes, and these different perspectives are so rich alongside each other that they make collaborations like this so valuable,” Stacey says.
AUT Assistant Vice-Chancellor – Engagement, Amy Malcolm says the power of Dear Auckland is in giving the next generation of creative talent a platform to share their vision for Tāmaki Makaurau and contribute to the conversation about the city’s future.
“Some of the most interesting perspectives on Auckland’s future come from the people who are helping shape it. These students bring fresh ideas, different experiences and a willingness to challenge conventional thinking. Dear Auckland gives them the opportunity to express what this city means to them and what it could become,” Amy says.
“Auckland is one of the most diverse cities in the world, and that diversity is increasingly reflected in its identity and in the people who call it home. As New Zealand’s most diverse and inclusive university, AUT reflects that changing face of Auckland. It’s important that the voices, experiences and aspirations of this generation are part of the conversation about the city we want to become.
“That’s what makes this collaboration so powerful. It’s not just about developing students’ creative capabilities or connecting them with industry, it’s about recognising their contribution to Auckland and giving their ideas the opportunity to be seen, heard and celebrated.”
Deputy Mayor of Auckland Desley Simpson says the project reflects Tātaki Auckland Unlimited’s commitment to making Auckland a city where students feel welcomed and inspired.
“Dear Auckland is a wonderful example of how we’re bringing to life the simple but important message that Auckland loves students. Through TAU’s investment in this collaboration, we’re giving our young people opportunities to connect with industry, share their ideas and help shape the future of our city. It’s exciting to see the creativity and fresh perspectives these students have brought to life, and a reminder of just how much Auckland has to gain from backing its next generation.”
