Acting Manukau Mayor Arthur Anae launched the inaugural Manukau Festival of Arts at the TelstraClear Pacific events centre last night. "This fantastic event is about city pride, enjoying the arts and highlighting the great talent we have in Manukau," said Mr Anae.

Acting Manukau Mayor Arthur Anae launched the inaugural Manukau Festival of Arts at the TelstraClear Pacific events centre last night. "This fantastic event is about city pride, enjoying the arts and highlighting the great talent we have in Manukau," said Mr Anae.

The festival's logo and colourful wave symbol which will adorn street banners, posters and advertising was also revealed and the audience given a taste of the energy, innovation and creative excellence that will be showcased during the festival which runs from 30 October to 17 November.

Opening act by Otara-based hip-hop group Black Pitch from the Dziah Dance Company, got the crowd going with a lively and energetic performance. Renowned local sculptor Dr Richard Shortland Cooper revealed the festival's exciting visual arts programme which includes an outdoor sculpture symposium featuring international artists at Manukau Square. This will be complemented by exhibitions at the Auckland Botanic Gardens, Te Tuhi Centre for the Arts and the Mangere Arts Centre. Meat & Lollies, an exhibition with a strong Manukau connection will also feature at the Fresh Gallery in Otara.

Other events include Black Grace contemporary dance, Villa Maria Cult-Couture, Pecha Kucha, Southside Comedy and the first Manukau Film Festival, as well as numerous youth and family events around the city.

The launch concluded with a moving performance from powerful tenor Geoff Knight (pictured) whose concert on 12 November will be a draw card in the festival programme. Mr Anae is delighted to see the Manukau Festival of Arts become a reality. "I am proud to launch this exciting venture. We know there is a huge amount of creativity around the city and the festival will provide a wonderful platform to promote our artists as well as encourage more Manukau residents and those further afield to attend our art events. "I encourage you all to visit the festival and discover more about this talented and creative part of our community."

A full programme of events will be available on the Manukau Festival of Arts website: www.mfa.org.nz which goes live on 15 September. 28/08/08