First Thursdays, then what?

Written by Anna Forsyth

You would have no excuse for not knowing when this event on Auckland’s art calendar happens. The name says it all really. The newest monthly arts event, First Thursdays started with a hiss and a roar in December, with 900 people through St Kevin’s arcade on K Road and Sola Rosa on the bill. That’s no mean feat in Auckland, so I caught up with founder and curator, Cleo Barnett to find out what all the fuss is about.

I’m not the only interview Cleo has lined up this week. That says something about the buzz that her event is already generating in the arts community. An inter-disciplinary event, First Thursdays is based on the successful event of the same name, which was started in Cleo’s hometown of Seattle. It has now spread to most states in the US, as well as Canada.

‘I’m not an artist’ Cleo admits to me straight away. An international business and politics student, Cleo doesn’t strike me as one. She’s not a scenester or even a wannabe artist. She did, however grow up with a sister, Kate Barnett who is just about to open her first solo photography exhibition in Seattle, just one of her many artistic talents.

Growing up with an artist for a sister and attending First Thursdays herself, when Cleo arrived in Auckland to study, she saw the potential niche for the event here practically straight away. Her business clout allowed her to pursue the idea. The K Road Business Association and George FM immediately saw the potential too, offering to sponsor the event and support it, with George doing a live broadcast.

The core of the event is the makeshift gallery space in the centre of the historic arcade. One of the artists featured last year was Used Bandaid, whose work is a mix of fashion illustration and Japanese Manga. Emerging and established artists can apply to show their work for a small fee and commission and there are some dedicated spaces available for collectives, such as The Society of Brilliant Ideas, based in High Street. Add to this mix musicians of the calibre of Recloose who is set to appear at the next event, along with craft stalls, and an after party at Khuja Lounge, and you have one of the most unique and diverse arts events around.

At a time when a super city is looming, the emphasis on community is vital. Cleo has also linked in with the Nile Flow network, which supports young African New Zealanders involved in the arts. ‘My aim is to offer an inclusive environment where emerging artists can gain confidence and exposure, along with showcasing the diversity of talent that exists. It’s very community focused.’ This seems to be just the event Auckland is looking for. The February event, ‘Fill the white walls’ expanded to show art in Verona Café and Te Karanga Gallery, also on K Road, alongside the hub of all things arts in St Kevins. So, first Thursdays, then what? ‘I’m really excited about the amount of interest in the event and the calibre of the submissions.’ That’s a sign of great things ahead, I’d say.

First Thursdays run from 6-9pm in St Kevin’s Arcade, 179 Karangahape Road, Newton, on the first Thursday of each month. The next event takes place on 4th March 2010.

For more information, check out www.firstthursdays.co.nz.