AUCKLAND.- Auckland’s art scene bursts to life with the 5th Auckland Triennial, New Zealand’s largest contemporary visual art festival.

The 5th Auckland Triennial features over 30 artists, artist collectives and architects from 15 countries and is led by internationally acclaimed curator, Hou Hanru. This year’s theme If you were to live here… has seen contemporary artists reimagine Auckland, and the world, through artworks that surprise, challenge and inspire.

There’s something for everyone with activities for people of all ages including family days, live performance, talks and more. For the first time, entry is free and visitors can explore nine venues across Auckland including new venues Fresh Gallery Otara and Silo 6, Silo Park, alongside Auckland Art Gallery, Auckland Museum, Artspace, George Fraser Gallery, Gus Fisher Gallery, ST PAUL St and The Film Archive.

Auckland Art Gallery Acting Director Viv Beck says, ‘It’s fantastic to be able to bring this festival of contemporary art to Aucklanders and visitors for free. With nine venues across the region there are plenty of opportunities for people to explore.’

Over the last few months Auckland has been buzzing with events, such as the recent Auckland Arts Festival and the NZ International Comedy festival on now. With the 5th Auckland Triennial underway, we should be proud of yet another exciting, world class event in our city.’

Triennial highlights:

• What’s your idea of the ideal home? Check out an international perspective and see Model Home by Michael Lin, Atelier Bow-Wow with Andrew Barrie at Auckland Art Gallery

• Find out what happens when you have expert Chinese calligraphers Yangjiang Group take over the George Fraser Gallery

• Look closely the next time you visit Auckland Museum and you might see Peter Robinson’s If you were to work here: the Mood in the Museum amongst the exhibits

• Art isn’t only for your eyes. Next time you’re at the waterfront check out Ryoji Ikeda’s A [for 6 silos] sound installation at Silo 6

• What happens when you cross Kauri with karaoke? You get Kauri-Oke at the Otara Markets on Saturdays for free thanks to Makeshift and Fresh Gallery Otara

• Immerse yourself at ST PAUL St Gallery in Ho Tzu Nyen’s Cloud of Unknowing

• Experience the sights and sounds of Janet Lilo's neighbourhood, recreated at Artspace

• Jazz enthusiasts can enjoy saxophonist André Vida performing 3-2-1 live alongside Anri Sala’s A Long Sorrow video installation at the Gus Fisher Gallery.

A new feature in this year’s Triennial is The Lab, a think-tank which features some of the world's most innovative and creative thinkers working on a series of projects investigating how we might live here better. Projects include the rejuvenation of the Whau River in Avondale and an investigation of the Kiwi 'quarter acre' dream. People can see The Lab in action at Auckland Art Gallery, take part in discussions and talks and watch each project evolve over time and contribute their own ideas.

The Auckland Triennial is New Zealand’s premier international contemporary art exhibition. Since its inception in 2000, it has worked with partners across the city to develop and present a lively and engaging contribution to the conversation about contemporary art and its relationship to the wider world.