One day, 10 hours, 27 speakers and performers. Semi Permanent Aotearoa is the country’s longest-running creative conference. And this year, for the first time, it’s completely free.
In the absence of corporate sponsors in 2020, Special Group, Alt Group and ATEED have stepped in instead.
Each has offered support not only because of Covid-19’s impact on the sector, but because of a collective recognition of the value the creative industries bring to New Zealand.
Tony Bradbourne, Founder and CEO of Special Group, says: “We wanted to give back to an industry and community that has supported and given Special so much. We’re living through a period of change and uncertainty. To solve the challenges we collectively face, we need creative individuals and creative industries, with fresh ideas and optimism about what our future can be.”
On Thursday 12 November at Auckland’s Aotea Centre, 27 of New Zealand’s leading creative practitioners will showcase the depth and diversity of the creative industries.
It will also be livestreamed (another first), freely available to anyone, anywhere.
The lineup is a stellar mix of New Zealand’s brightest talents and most influential figures in design, technology, art, architecture, advertising and screen production.
These include fashion icon Kate Sylvester and artist Billy Apple.
There will also be live performances, and associated events include an exhibition at Ponsonby’s Objectspace, dedicated to the work of label NOM*d.
With demand for the live event expected to be huge, a ballot system has been put in place to ensure fair access to tickets. An allocation of tickets has also been reserved for schools, to help increase the visibility of creative industries careers for young people – especially in communities where creative industries are under-represented.
To register for the free ticket ballot and livestream, click here.
