Auckland stages colourful event to boost recovery of city centre

More than 50 light and art installations are colouring-up Auckland as the city centre stages ‘City of Colour’ from 6th to 22nd May to help the city recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns.

Co-curated by award-winning designer Angus Muir and Barbara Holloway of Auckland Council, the installations will colour-up the Viaduct Harbour, Silo Park, Britomart, Commercial Bay, Te Komititanga, Vulcan Lane, High Street district, Queen Street and many more city spaces day and night.

Ribbons of colour will drape from a canopy suspended above Vulcan Lane, a flock of flamingos will dance on the roof of the City Rail Link information centre where Elliott Street meets Victoria Street, temporary lighting installation Te Maharatanga o Ngā Wai – Te Wai Horotiu on the corner of Tāmaki Pataka Kōrero / Central City Library will remind us to remember our waterways and a projection of waves will illuminate the overbridge on Karangahape Road.

City of Colour will also see city landmarks and buildings light up - from the SkyTower, The Civic, Vector Lights on the Harbour Bridge, PWC Tower and the Auckland Town Hall to Te Ara I Whiti / The Lightpath.

Auckland Mayor Phil Goff notes “City of Colour will both light up our city and help kickstart the city centre’s recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns. COVID-19 has put us all under pressure, but it has been particularly difficult for businesses located downtown.

“The displays are designed to draw people into the city to experience and enjoy the lighting installations and artworks on display and will bring increased vibrancy, colour and interest to central Auckland. It will also provide a welcome boost to businesses on the path to recovery.”

In preparation for City of Colour, Auckland Council is arranging for streets and squares to be deep cleaned, is sprucing up the planters, addressing graffiti and working with safety partners to ensure people feel safe and welcome when they return to the city centre. 

City of Colour is a partnership between Auckland Council and Heart of the City and other city centre partners including SkyCity, Viaduct Harbour Holdings, Britomart Group, Precinct Properties, Karangahape Road Business Association, Eke Panuku and Auckland Live.

For the full line-up of artists and their work featuring in City of Colour please go to heartofthecity.co.nz/city-of-colour https://heartofthecity.co.nz/city-of-colour

Image of inflatable Cactus Garden for Auckland City of Colour courtesy Auckland Council Credit Sacha Stejko