Sir
Tipene
O'Regan
Patron

Nau mai, haere mai, tauiti mai
Haere mai koutou katoa ki te Wä Whakanui o Ötautahi
Haere mai koutou katoa ki Kä Pakihi whakatekateka o Waitaha
Haria mai tö koutou tautoko!
Haria mai ö koutou whakaaro

All are welcome to this celebratory season of Christchurch.
Welcome to Canterbury, the treeless plains of Waitaha.
Bring forth your support!
Bring forth your commitment.

Bob
Parker
Mayor
Christchurch

As Mayor of Christchurch and Co-Patron of the Festival I am delighted to welcome you to the 8th biennial Christchurch Arts Festival - a mid-winter showcase of international and regional talent, world premieres alongside classics and the sheer unexpected – all presented in the heart of Christchurch which, with its cultural heritage, proximity of venues and supportive community, lends itself so well to Festival fever.

I am particularly looking forward to stepping into Cathedral Square and being transported into the frost-clad WinterGarden, spinning around the rink in the TV ONE Ice Dome, settling into the TelstraClear Club with its star-studded programme, and enjoying the ambience of this fantastic city at its best.

I invite you to join us in celebrating the quality, diversity and richness of this 8th biennial Festival, and urge you to take this opportunity to experience the outstanding line-up of works the Festival team has put together for us all.

Clare
Murray
Trust
Chair

Guy
Boyce
Festival
Director

In an ordinary year the ability of the Festival to present a programme like this is a positive reflection upon the arts scene in Christchurch and the South Island. In the current global financial climate, this ability represents a vote of confidence in the important role that the arts plays in this city – a generator of social, educational and economic benefits as well as a major contributor to its general vibrancy. Presenting this Festival is an enormous undertaking and would not be possible without the generous support of our partner organisations. We are most grateful for their contribution of sponsorship investment, professional services and commitment to this mid-winter celebration.

Thanks must also go to our Trustees who so generously give their time in governing the Festival and, of course, to the staff of the Festival who deserve the utmost thanks; these individuals work tirelessly to bring together their passion and skills to present this Festival to the city.

This Festival programme contains a complete guide to the Festival. In June, however, also look out for the “Festival Garden Guide” published in The Press, which will feature the full programme for activities and performances within the WinterGarden and the TelstraClear Club in Cathedral Square.

This Festival belongs to everyone. We encourage you to dress up warmly and go out and enjoy it!