ART
AUM is a visual and performing art wonderland
Our beautiful festival site is accompanied by live art installations, sculptures, painting and performing art of many kinds. Each summer we showcase brilliant local and international artists, including some beamed in from overseas for digital projection art. Our art aims to dazzle, surprise and bring joy.
Our stages are created with world-class lighting, laser shows and large scale projection mapping and artistry created specifically for each year’s festival theme.
We bring established artists alongside emerging talent who bring their original creations for everyone to enjoy. It might be their first public showing, or a chance to try something new out, or to collaborate with others.
We have performing artists too, complete with multiple shows including the famous Midnight Cabaret on the last night of the festival which has become a favourite of many.
VISUAL ART
AUM hosts a diverse community of visual artists who contribute amazing creations seen around the festival day and night. They include painted murals, immersive installations, sculptures, secret corners and hangout spots.
There’s art you can join in on creating too. Much of our art takes form during the festival so each time you walk past they’re different.
Each summer we have a visual art roster with over 30 artists present, in addition to the stage designers and builders. We also showcase selected international artists.
Highlights include David Eversfield and Steve Crowcroft stunning “Hanabi” (Fire Blossom) light sculpture made for AUM which was also later seen at Splore Festival.
Nico Woodward’s (@nico.woodward) “Fungal Foray” interactive art project is the latest in a series of amazing creations Nico has shown at AUM and other festivals and events around Aotearoa including Kiwiburn and Shipwrecked.
Last summer two amazing murals were painted live, by Regan Hill-Male whose portrait referenced the year of the snake, renewal, and the idea of piecing yourself back together. Check out Regan Hill-Male on Insta
Paul X Walsh and Setayesh’s painting had nods to surreal art by Escher, Dalí and Alice in Wonderland woven into the Kānuka tree which stood behind the painting. Instagram: Paul X Walsh and Setayesh .
Fungal Foray by Nico Woodward
Hanabi (Fire Blossom), designed by David Eversfield
STUNNING DECOR
Each new year you enter a magical location that is carefully designed and dressed to transport your stress and worries away as you become part of the festival theme!
Months of design work and artistic collaboration are brought to life in the most extravagant, themed manner for AUM.
We set a goal each year to have the most beautifully decorated new years event, crafted by some of the most talented artists in the business. We create beautiful and engaging environments to dance and play in, and it’s an honour and a blessing to us. It’s another way to say thank you to our family of supporters who deserve the best.
The giant octopus on the White Stag stage, built by Abby Fleur Art + Music
Kānuka Stage, decor by Mia Straka, Eli Mulvay and LO-FI Productions
Our festival art is an experience like no other
