The Balloon Imaginarium’s purpose is to ignite the creative and imaginative thinking of the every day Aucklander. The event is meant to be experienced and manifested by the Auckland public, in their direct participation with the installation and aims at provoking inspiration to a realm of possibilities.

And provoking inspiration it did! We blew up 50 large custom balloons, brought in a bubble machine and added some whimsical music to the mix, bringing Lorne Street to life. We asked people to fill out a white sheet of paper that started with “Imagine if…” and then to tie it on a empty balloon once their idea was complete. The second part of the installation was a bunch of bright stickers we had on hand for people to stick on the ideas they agreed with. At the end of the event we gave all the balloons away to people that agreed with the ideas and asked them to bring the balloons to their favourite space of contemplation and email through a photo to us. If you’re keen to follow the balloons journey check out our tumblr page.

Here are some photos I managed to capture on the day with my Olympus and Holga.

This little girl was amazing, “Image if…Cleopatra was alive and everyone had to dress like Egyptians”.

From left to right, myself, Paris and Jane our lovely helpers and Ashley with the green balloon :) Big shout outs to Jane Park, Paris Kirby and Rabi Haru for helping us instal and document this event.

Lovers moment caught on film on the walk home.

And then there were two.

It was so much fun to see Aucklander’s really interacting, thinking and engaging with each other in this public realm. Most fun I have had on a Wednesday in ages and such an fun installation to put together!! Thanks so much to everyone that came out and participated in this with us xx

The SpinningTop ‘Little Lotus Project’ is a collaborative art project, linking 14 self funded international artists with refugee and migrant children on the Thai/Burma border. Through a variety of art workshops the children experience the joys of creativity while also being part of a huge multi-media project which brings exposure to the children’s cause. Access to education and art supplies is a luxury for these children and all funds raised from Little Lotus will go towards their ongoing welfare and education.

Find out more about why the Little Lotus Project exists.

 

About SpinningTop

SpinningTop exists to give balance to vulnerable children living in poverty, whose lives have been thrown off balance through war, oppression, natural disaster and circumstances beyond their control. SpinningTop upholds the rights of all children as stated within the United Nation’s Convention on the Rights of the Child, regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender.

SpinningTop is currently working on the Thai/Burma border with children who have been forced by the oppressive military regime to flee their homeland of Burma. In the next 12 months we will also be exploring the needs of vulnerable children in the South Pacific region. The children we currently support come from extreme poverty, living in the most basic of homes, constructed mostly of bamboo, rice sacks for flooring, running water some distance from the home and maybe two changes of clothes if they are lucky. Toys are a rarity, unless you consider rubber bands toys, which do in fact provide hours of entertainment for them.

We believe given the right balance of Fources, Education, Nutrition, Shelter and Play, these children will be empowered to become contributing members of society, free from poverty. The support we provide prioritises the basic needs of the children within the categories of the Fources, Education, Nutrition, Shelter and Play.

In addition to providing basic needs we also seek new cost effective and innovative ways to encourage sustainable communities, facilities and individuals.

First Thursdays is a community-conscious collaboration of artisans and art lovers whose ultimate goal is to showcase new and exciting talent in the fields of visual arts, music and performance. On the first Thursday of three months a year, K Road will come alive with visual artists, performance artists, fashion shows, live music, installations, photographers, musicians, DJs, and hopefully… you! If you live in Auckland or just visiting for the summer, come be a part of the collaboration!

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First Thursdays is the first event I have ever organized and has definitely changed my life dramatically. Since its creation back in 2009 my life has shifted focused, one which is now very much driven towards the arts and creating events that spread inspiration and beauty out into the communities around me.  To date we have had 8 successful First Thursdays averaging 5,000+ people per event. The event now spans the length of Karangahape Road, from Queen Street to Crummer Road in Ponsonby. Crazy to think how much this event has grown since the first event back in December 09 and so so grateful for all the amazing, creative and inspiring people I have met along the way. Couldn’t do it without you all!

If you are ever keen to get involved with First Thursdays please get in touch and pitch your ideas to me. This event is all about collaborating with local creatives and I sincerely look forward to hearing from you!

Event pics from March 2012:
First Thursdays!

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Recent Press:

Video from First Thursdays in March – 90 Seconds

Cuda Sisters Show Off on K Road – 3news.co.nz

Fashion really does come in cycles – Auckland City Harbour News

Mini Interview with Cleo Barnett - Blukeko

Interview with Askew One – bFM

First Thursdays, Second to None – Thread.co.nz

Ready to Attack – The Aucklander

The First of Many Thursdays – Thread.co.nz

Thursday Girl - Remix Magazine

Thursdays Child - Thread.co.nz

TV Feature - Asia Down Under

Vol. 1 No. 2 – Gallery 36