The Sole Project

Artstation’s latest exhibition, The Sole Project: The Exhibition, is opening on 26 July and is the result of a powerful collaboration between rangatahi-youth, from South Auckland alternative education, and artists committed to using their skills to mentor youth. For one week in July, Artstation will play host to The Sole Project, a vibrant and innovative art mentoring programme produced by Nga Rangatahi Toa Creative Arts Initiative, of the still water rising Trust.

The exhibition features a wide range of artworks created by the 10 rangatahi and artist mentor partnerships. The collaborations range from photography and installation art, to aerosol art, animation and abstract painting. “The Sole Project gives a voice to those who are not always heard, and shows the world through the eyes of those who are not always seen. Helping with this process are our mentors, selected for the excellence of their art practice but mainly for their ability to act as a positive role model for our kids,” says project producer Sarah Longbottom.

Experienced artist mentor Josh Paki says, “I am excited about the week because I know that for some kids an intensive week of focused one-to-one adult attention and commitment is exactly what they need to be able to make the next step themselves.” For alternative education students, excluded from mainstream education, it is important to find ways to reconnect. “I’m looking forward to learning new ways to express myself. A weight comes off me when I can express my feelings,” says young artist Ase Vakatawa.

Grown from the kaupapa of the 52nd Street Project in New York City, The Sole Project is part of the larger Nga Rangatahi Toa Creative Arts Initiative 2011 programme. This programme provides transformational life experiences through one-to-one mentoring for Auckland’s alternative education students in visual arts, dance, drama and music.

Ase Vakatawa, Bobby Ioramo, Nathan Suniula

27 July – 13 August

Artstation Toi Tu Gallery, Ponsonby