The Arts Foundation Te Temu Toi partnership

A union grounded in culture, connectivity and creativity, The Symphony Centre and The Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi will bring the Aotea Arts Quarter to life in a way that is both meaningful and transformational.

Cristean Monreal, Director at RCP, the local development management firm leading the project, says the partnership will ensure that The Symphony Centre remains inherently connected to the arts community right from the start of the project.

“Our vision for The Symphony Centre is to bring the Aotea Arts Quarter back to life in a way that is both meaningful and transformational, and this wouldn’t be possible without truly aligning with the very community at the heart and history of this inner-city neighbourhood,” Cristean Monreal RCP Director

This is a sentiment shared strongly by MRCB, the international developer behind the $600 million precinct.

“Part of delivering this world-class project is to ensure it continues to provide a preeminent place for the arts and its patrons. We are deeply committed to the future of the arts, the future of creativity and creating a revived space that is grounded in culture and connection. Working with the Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi allows us to jointly align our vision for this area.” Ravi Krishnan, CEO at MRCB International

Aotea Square has a rich history as a place for outstanding New Zealand artists to perform and exhibit. Over decades, many of The Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi’s whānau of exceptional artists have performed at the Dame Kiri te Kanawa auditorium or the Auckland Town Hall, presented their work on stage, on walls or in the square.

As this partnership unfolds, the development of The Symphony Centre – including the refurbishment of the adjacent Bledisloe House and the public activation of The Lanes – will give back to the home of the arts every step of the way.

"It’s rare to see business developers backing the arts and creativity in such a meaningful way, and investing in creativity on a city wide scale. The developers are genuinely walking the talk, as demonstrated by their support of Te Tumu Toi.” The Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi’s General Manager Jessica Palalagi

A driving force behind this partnership is Jack Bourke, Head of Community and Strategic Engagement at RCP who knows first-hand the value of backing the arts.

“As an opera singer, many of my formative performances were at the Kiri Te Kanawa auditorium and the Aotea Arts Quarter was home to me. I am forever embedded in the arts and its community, so it is personally and professionally thrilling to be part of bringing this area back to life.

“This partnership is testament to the future of the arts and the vested interest that The Symphony Centre has in ensuring artists continue to have a home, and a vibrant one at that.” Jack Bourke - Head of Community and Strategic Engagement RCP.

In a further show of commitment to backing the arts for the benefit of all, MRCB and RCP have also partnered with Te Ahurei Toi O Tamaki Auckland Arts Festival.