Where we live: art, activism and community

David Cook and Anna Brown

Open from Wednesday 23 April

Opening event 5pm, Thursday 1 May

When housing hits the headlines we hear stories of deficit, dysfunction and blame delivered by experts and political leaders. But where are the citizen voices? Can creativity play a role in addressing this media bias? Grounded in socially engaged creative practice, Where we live presents three community art projects that channel the experiences, dreams and protests of citizens who want their housing stories to be known.  

Ko te Reo ō Ngā Tāngata — The People’s Voice (2023) charts a co-creation process with 30 Wellington social housing tenants who came together as an editorial team of writers, poets, photographers, artists and a crossword maker. Their work hit the streets as an outdoor exhibition and 32,000 newspapers. 

Ka Mua Ka Muri (2024) features one collaboration from a Tairāwhiti-based project exploring just transitions for whenua and whānau, highlighting the impact of climate resilience on housing and community well-being. 

Homes for All is developmental work from an activist project arising from David Cook’s 2024 residency at Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre. Homes for All addresses our housing crisis through the lived experiences of seniors and kaumātua.

The three projects arise from collaborations between David Cook and Anna Brown, both Ilam alumni and researchers in Massey University’s research cluster: Toi Āria: Design for Public Good.

Exhibition ends Wednesday 14 May.

The Ilam Campus Gallery is generously supported by Three Boys Brewery, Murray and Co, and the University of Canterbury.