Interactive light sculptures, art installations, and creative events will converge on Thursday 6 March from 5pm for Rediscover Parnell Village—a one-night-only experience that will show you the heart of Parnell in a new light.

This event is an opportunity to celebrate the opening of 269, Auckland’s vibrant new food and beverage destination, and to reintroduce you to Parnell Village—a city-fringe creative precinct. This one-of-a-kind event offers to bring the best of Parnell together at the same time as the day turns to night, with pockets of activity popping up throughout the village for the evening.

One highlight of the evening will be Art Battle. Spanning more than 70 cities worldwide, Art Battle is the world’s biggest live painting competition. Twelve New Zealand artists will assemble at 269 for three rounds of high energy speed painting, with an audience vote determining the winner.

The Parnell Road streetscape will also be adorned with light installations from the award-winning Angus Muir Design. These dynamic interactive installations have previously drawn crowds at major light festivals in Takapuna, Queenstown, Nelson, and Howick; now, they will be lighting up Parnell Village.

The vibrant light installations will be complemented by an array of art, from window displays in galleries to hanging outdoor pieces. Featured art displays include Elliot Collins’ suspended text-based work on happiness, a concrete poem for the city, inviting viewers to engage in free association and connection between words, and Illuminate by Che Rogers, dynamic lightboxes that create a bold visual experience. Closer to home, textile artist Frankie Meaden will adorn one of Parnell’s iconic laneways and lampposts with her woven artworks. These large-scale floral pieces repurpose old street banners, including those that have previously lined Parnell Road. Frankie will be at Orsini Fine Jewellery, her other workplace, on Thursday night, allowing members of the community to connect with one of our featured artists.

With more pop-up events and displays set to be announced, Rediscover Parnell Village showcases the heart of Auckland’s oldest suburb and invites you to partake in a magical evening.

Image: ‘Revolve’ by Angus Muir

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