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A BIT ABOUT US

Holding Space Aotearoa is a non-profit Arts Organisation with a mission to 'hold space' for our artistic community and worthy causes. Our focus is on community projects, events, workshops and open mics. We create opportunities and content for local artists to expand their careers, up skill, empower, inspire and connect with others.

SW4CA VOL. 2 ALBUM OUT NOW!

On all major streaming platforms

Holding Space are proud to share our 2nd compilation album for our Songwriters 4 Climate Action Project

Involving 12 artists from various backgrounds, perspectives and genres; we recorded 12 songs at Roundhead Studios.

Special thanks to Waitematā Local Board for supporting this community project.

More info HERE

Upcoming Events

SW4CA Workshop - Chants & Calls To Action
Wed, 27 Mar
Auckland
27 Mar 2024, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Auckland, 55 Madden Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
27 Mar 2024, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
Auckland, 55 Madden Street, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
A brainstorming session
Details

SW4CA Showcase @ Ghub
Sun, 05 May
Auckland
05 May 2024, 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Auckland, 5 Cabbage Tree Swamp Drive, Sandringham, Auckland 1351, New Zealand
05 May 2024, 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Auckland, 5 Cabbage Tree Swamp Drive, Sandringham, Auckland 1351, New Zealand
Live music from a collection of local musicians involved in the Songwriters 4 Climate Action Project
RSVP

SW4CA Workshop @ GHub
Sun, 21 Apr
Auckland
21 Apr 2024, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Auckland, 5 Cabbage Tree Swamp Drive, Sandringham, Auckland 1351, New Zealand
21 Apr 2024, 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
Auckland, 5 Cabbage Tree Swamp Drive, Sandringham, Auckland 1351, New Zealand
Learn about the Songwriters 4 Climate Project project and share ideas for new songs over a cup of tea.
RSVP

Melville Presents: Live Fridays feat. Manuela
Fri, 22 Mar
Auckland
22 Mar 2024, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Auckland, 2 Freyberg Place, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1000, New Zealand
22 Mar 2024, 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Auckland, 2 Freyberg Place, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1000, New Zealand
Live Music from talented local Wāhine in Freyberg Square
Details

Earthsong Sustainable Living Festival
Sat, 06 Apr
Auckland
06 Apr 2024, 9:30 am – 3:00 pm
Auckland, 457 Swanson Road, Ranui, Auckland 0612, New Zealand
06 Apr 2024, 9:30 am – 3:00 pm
Auckland, 457 Swanson Road, Ranui, Auckland 0612, New Zealand
A community festival showcasing Earthsong Eco-Neighbourhood and sustainability in action. Tours, workshop, markets, food & live music.
Details

SW4CA Workshop & Showcase @ Uxbridge

02:08

Holding Space Aotearoa

SW4CA Workshop & Showcase @ Uxbridge

Some highlights from one of our Songwriters4ClimateAction workshops and performance showcase at Uxbridge Arts & Culture Centre in Howick, 2022. Special thanks to our guest speaker Ecologist: Chris Ferkins who lead a talk around the role of 'place' - something that involves a relationship between community and environment, which in turn, can be helped significantly through art and music. These events were sponsored by Howick Local Board. Videography by: Kiran Patel Films -- Songwriters 4 Climate Action is a Project intended to bring together community-based performers through a series of workshops and activities; to help support and inspire them to develop songs, artwork and start conversations that highlight the challenges and hopes for climate action. Our aim is to work towards live performances and record songs / creative content (to a professional standard) that we can share on multiple platforms to help spread awareness and positivity around low carbon climate action. This Project has expanded to promote the collaboration and response of artists to the work of Kaitianga, Practitioners and other experts active in the Climate Field. Through this process we hope to support dialogue and connection between many communities and learn a thing or two along the way. Parts of this project are supported by Waitematā Local Board, Waitematā Low Carbon Network, Puketāpapa Local Board, Puketāpapa Low Carbon Network, Grey Lynn 2030 and Albert/Eden Local Board. About us. Holding Space Aotearoa Charitable Trust is an Arts Organisation with a focus on community projects and audience engagement; events, open mics and workshops. We create opportunities & content for creatives and worthy causes in Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland NZ. https://www.holdingspaceaotearoa.org

Puketāpapa Manu Aute Kite Day 2022 + Making A Kite

04:06

Holding Space Aotearoa

Puketāpapa Manu Aute Kite Day 2022 + Making A Kite

Join Ema from Holding Space Aotearoa on her mission to make a kite for the Puketāpapa Manu Aute Kite Day 2022. We wanted to make a kite from recycled materials so who best to call but the amazing Local Clothes Designer - Lucy-Mae from The Upcycle Collective Aotearoa. (Ngā mihi nui) With her expertise and some advice on kite design from Perrin at Kiteworks on Symonds St; we got to work putting something together. The secret is making sure the tail is 6 times the length of the kite for stability. We love the result! Our kite resembles a stingray with beautiful colourful materials which reflect the diversity of our community. Puketāpapa Manu Aute Kite Day 2022 was part of Matariki celebrations on Sunday the 26th of June on Pukewīwī Maunga / Mt Roskill Auckland, put on by Fresh Concept. This video features live music from the day: Jaqi & Jade Songwriters 4 Climate Action (Street Georges & Ravi the Poet) Koltrain Special thanks to Puketāpapa Low Carbon Network and Puketāpapa Local Board for supporting this activity. Holding Space Aotearoa Charitable Trust is an Arts Organisation with a focus on community projects and audience engagement; events, open mics and workshops. We create opportunities & content for creatives and worthy causes in Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland NZ. w: https://www.holdingspaceaotearoa.org fb: https://www.facebook.com/HoldingSpaceAotearoa/ I: @holding_space_aptearoa

Ravi the Poet SW4CA Interview 1

01:48

Holding Space Aotearoa

Ravi the Poet SW4CA Interview 1

An interview with Ravi the Poet, talking about his song: a Bike Ride "SW4CA, Vol. 1" out now on digital platforms: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/songwriters4climateaction/sw4ca-vol-1 Songwriters 4 Climate Action Volume #1 Songwriters 4 Climate Action (SW4CA) is a project intended to bring together community-based performers through a series of workshops and activities; to help support, inspire and challenge them to develop songs that highlight the challenges and hopes for climate action. Our aim is to work towards live performances and record songs / videos (to a professional standard) that we can share on multiple platforms to help spread awareness and positivity around this kaupapa. Through this process we have recorded our first compilation album at Roundhead Studios; involving 12 artists with various backgrounds, perspectives and genres. These songs are mainly striped back acoustic versions with some surprises in there. We are proud to be releasing the album digitally on May 13th and will have an album release concert on Friday 27th May at The Sustainable Coastlines Venue: The Flagship. We will be releasing videos and teasers throughout the month for each song. Parts of this project have been supported by Waitematā Local Board, Waitematā Low Carbon Network, Puketāpapa Local Board, Puketāpapa Low Carbon Network,& Grey Lynn 2030 About us. Holding Space Aotearoa is a Charitable Trust with a focus on Open Mics, workshops; creating opportunities & content for the arts community and worthy causes in Tāmaki Makaurau, Aotearoa NZ. www.holdingspaceaotearoa.org

Edwin SW4CA Interview 1

02:31

Holding Space Aotearoa

Edwin SW4CA Interview 1

An interview with Edwin Judd, talking about his song: Flaming Heart. Pre save "SW4CA, Vol. 1" on Spotify right now: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/songwriters4climateaction/sw4ca-vol-1 Songwriters 4 Climate Action Volume #1 Songwriters 4 Climate Action (SW4CA) is a project intended to bring together community-based performers through a series of workshops and activities; to help support, inspire and challenge them to develop songs that highlight the challenges and hopes for climate action. Our aim is to work towards live performances and record songs / videos (to a professional standard) that we can share on multiple platforms to help spread awareness and positivity around this kaupapa. Through this process we have recorded our first compilation album at Roundhead Studios; involving 12 artists with various backgrounds, perspectives and genres. These songs are mainly striped back acoustic versions with some surprises in there. We are proud to be releasing the album digitally on May 13th and will have an album release concert on Friday 27th May at The Sustainable Coastlines Venue: The Flagship. We will be releasing videos and teasers throughout the month for each song. Parts of this project have been supported by Waitematā Local Board, Waitematā Low Carbon Network, Puketāpapa Local Board, Puketāpapa Low Carbon Network,& Grey Lynn 2030 About us. Holding Space Aotearoa is a Charitable Trust with a focus on Open Mics, workshops; creating opportunities & content for the arts community and worthy causes in Tāmaki Makaurau, Aotearoa NZ. www.holdingspaceaotearoa.org

An Introduction to Holding Space Aotearoa & Songwriters4ClimateAction

06:33

Holding Space Aotearoa

An Introduction to Holding Space Aotearoa & Songwriters4ClimateAction

This is a quick, casual Introduction to Holding Space Aotearoa and our current Songwriters4ClimateAction Project 2021 with Ema Barton and a snippet of her song Moving Mountains, filmed during lockdown September 2021 in Tāmaki Makaurau. First part of Intro filmed by Jono Annandale. Holding Space Aotearoa Charitable Trust is an Arts Organisation with a focus on community projects and audience engagement; events, open mics and workshops. We create opportunities & content for creatives and worthy causes in Tāmaki Makaurau, Auckland NZ. Songwriters 4 Climate Action is a Project intended to bring together community-based performers through a series of workshops and activities; to help support and inspire them to develop songs, artwork and start conversations that highlight the challenges and hopes for climate action. Our aim is to work towards live performances and record songs / creative content (to a professional standard) that we can share on multiple platforms to help spread awareness and positivity around low carbon climate action. This Project has expanded to promote the collaboration and response of artists to the work of Kaitianga, Practitioners and other experts active in the Climate Field. Through this process we hope to support dialogue and connection between many communities and learn a thing or two along the way. Special thanks to Waitematā Low Carbon Network, Waitematā Local Board, Puketāpapa Low Carbon Network, Puketāpapa Local Board and Grey Lynn 2030 for supporting parts of this project so far. Come join us :) For more info: w: https://www.holdingspaceaotearoa.org fb: https://www.facebook.com/HoldingSpaceAotearoa/ I: @holding_space_aptearoa

Sam Loveridge SW4CA Interview 1

01:22

Holding Space Aotearoa

Sam Loveridge SW4CA Interview 1

An interview with Sam Loveridge, talking about his song: The Tide. "SW4CA, Vol. 1" out now on digital platforms: https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/songwriters4climateaction/sw4ca-vol-1 Songwriters 4 Climate Action Volume #1 Songwriters 4 Climate Action (SW4CA) is a project intended to bring together community-based performers through a series of workshops and activities; to help support, inspire and challenge them to develop songs that highlight the challenges and hopes for climate action. Our aim is to work towards live performances and record songs / videos (to a professional standard) that we can share on multiple platforms to help spread awareness and positivity around this kaupapa. Through this process we have recorded our first compilation album at Roundhead Studios; involving 12 artists with various backgrounds, perspectives and genres. These songs are mainly striped back acoustic versions with some surprises in there. We are proud to be releasing the album digitally on May 13th and will have an album release concert on Friday 27th May at The Sustainable Coastlines Venue: The Flagship. We will be releasing videos and teasers throughout the month for each song. Parts of this project have been supported by Waitematā Local Board, Waitematā Low Carbon Network, Puketāpapa Local Board, Puketāpapa Low Carbon Network,& Grey Lynn 2030 About us. Holding Space Aotearoa is a Charitable Trust with a focus on Open Mics, workshops; creating opportunities & content for the arts community and worthy causes in Tāmaki Makaurau, Aotearoa NZ. www.holdingspaceaotearoa.org

Go Early Means Now - Climate Justice Now

02:29

Holding Space Aotearoa

Go Early Means Now - Climate Justice Now

Go Early Means Now - Climate Justice Now Made during Lockdown, October 2021 in Tāmaki Makaurau, NZ Lyrics / Concept by Edna Snow Song Structure & Instrumentation by Ema, Jono and the Songwriters 4 Climate Action Group hosted by Holding Space Aotearoa. Ema Barton - Vocals / Guitar / Percussion Jono - Vocals / Mandolin / Didgeridoo / Djembe Mark Farrier, Sam Loveridge, Grant Hewison - Vocals Mix and Visuals - Ema Barton This song was made to support the Climate Action - Open Letter to Jacinda - https://www.climatejusticenow.nz - "This Open Letter was written by members of Extinction Rebellion Aotearoa. We believe that these ideas also reflect the concerns of many others who want urgent and decisive action – on the climate crisis, on the damage to our land and rivers and, not least, on the inequality and human suffering that result from our GDP-obsessed economic system. We invite you to share it widely. To ensure that your signature is presented to Jacinda Ardern, please sign it by Friday 22 October 2021. We aim to present the letter to Jacinda at Parliament around 25 October – the week before James Shaw goes to Glasgow for COP26. Before this, we also hope to discuss the Letter with Jacinda informally, inviting her to make a public statement on climate action for Aotearoa." - Songwriters 4 Climate Action is a project intended to bring together community-based performers through a series of workshops and activities; to help support and inspire them to write or develop songs/ artwork / share stories that highlight the challenges and hopes for climate action. Our aim is to work towards a live performance and record songs / videos (to a professional standard) that we can share on multiple platforms to help spread awareness and positivity around low carbon climate action. Through this process we hope to build a supportive music community and learn a thing or two along the way. https://www.holdingspaceaotearoa.org

Auckland Rediscovered - The Music Edition - Lightfoottravel

01:39

Lightfoot Travel

Auckland Rediscovered - The Music Edition - Lightfoottravel

Emma Barton introduces us to Auckland's vibrant underground music scene through her open mic night at the Portland Public House. Interested in travelling to New Zealand and experiencing the Portland Public House? Lightfoot Travel is a luxury tour operator specialising in hand crafted holidays to countries spanning seven continents. Visit lightfoottravel.com to start planning your tailor-made journey today.

Edwin: Live From Lockdown - Flaming Heart

03:29

Edwin: Live From Lockdown - Flaming Heart

A Live From Lockdown video of Holding Space Trustee Edwin Judd sharing his song Flaming Heart for #Songwriters4ClimateAction

BLOG POSTS

A Dossier of Folk / Blues Musician: Graham McGregor.

Songwriters 4 Climate Action Project

Songwriter Club - 2021

Past Events

Grey Lynn Night Markets Open Mic
24 July 2021
Auckland
24 July 2021
Auckland, 606 Great North Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland 1021, New Zealand
24 July 2021
Auckland, 606 Great North Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland 1021, New Zealand
Ema is hosting an Open Mic Night as part of Grey Lynn Night Markets & Elemental Festival 2021
Details

Songwriters 4 Climate Action Workshop @ Uxbridge **POSTPONED**
Time is TBD
Auckland
Time is TBD
Auckland, 35 Uxbridge Road, Howick, Auckland 2014, New Zealand
Time is TBD
Auckland, 35 Uxbridge Road, Howick, Auckland 2014, New Zealand
A Songwriting Workshop exploring Climate Action and connecting community.
RSVP

Holding Space Creative Showcase
Thu, 28 Sept
Ellen Melville Centre
28 Sept 2023, 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Ellen Melville Centre, 2 Freyberg Place, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1000, New Zealand
28 Sept 2023, 6:00 pm – 10:00 pm
Ellen Melville Centre, 2 Freyberg Place, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1000, New Zealand
A community arts showcase: sharing songs, poetry, art, ideas and fashion developed over the span of the Auckland Climate Festival.
Details

SW4CA - Songwriting Workshop (2)
Sun, 17 Sept
Samoa House Library
17 Sept 2023, 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Samoa House Library, level 2/283 Karangahape Road, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
17 Sept 2023, 3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Samoa House Library, level 2/283 Karangahape Road, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
A Songwriting workshop exploring how we can work with the theme of Wai / Water.
Details

SW4CA - Songs That Changed The World - ONLINE
Mon, 04 Sept
Zoom
04 Sept 2023, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Zoom
04 Sept 2023, 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Zoom
An online workshop listening to and reviewing some successful environmental / political songs (chosen by Silke Hartung) and an introduction to The Songwriters 4 Climate Action Project
Details

SW4CA Workshop @ Samoa House Library
Sun, 13 Aug
Auckland
13 Aug 2023, 2:00 pm – 14 Aug 2023, 4:00 pm
Auckland, Level 2/283 Karangahape Road, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
13 Aug 2023, 2:00 pm – 14 Aug 2023, 4:00 pm
Auckland, Level 2/283 Karangahape Road, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
A songwriting and poetry workshop. Let's get creating for The Songwriters4ClimateAction Project this year.
Details

Matariki Open Mic & Community Meal
Sun, 16 Jul
Auckland
16 Jul 2023, 5:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Auckland, 5 Cabbage Tree Swamp Drive, Sandringham, Auckland 1351, New Zealand
16 Jul 2023, 5:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Auckland, 5 Cabbage Tree Swamp Drive, Sandringham, Auckland 1351, New Zealand
Celebrating Matariki with kai and community performances.
Details

Holding Space Songwriter Club - July
Sun, 16 Jul
Auckland
16 Jul 2023, 4:00 pm – 17 Jul 2023, 5:30 pm
Auckland, 5 Cabbage Tree Swamp Drive, Sandringham, Auckland 1351, New Zealand
16 Jul 2023, 4:00 pm – 17 Jul 2023, 5:30 pm
Auckland, 5 Cabbage Tree Swamp Drive, Sandringham, Auckland 1351, New Zealand
A casual catch up for local songwriters in Tāmaki Makaurau.
Details

Contrast: An Art Exhibition
Tue, 06 Jun
BSA Gallery, Brown School Of Art
06 Jun 2023, 5:00 pm – 24 Jun 2023, 4:00 pm
BSA Gallery, Brown School Of Art, Level 1/194 Great North Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland 1021, New Zealand
06 Jun 2023, 5:00 pm – 24 Jun 2023, 4:00 pm
BSA Gallery, Brown School Of Art, Level 1/194 Great North Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland 1021, New Zealand
An exhibition by Auckland-based artists Jono Annandale, Jack Cathro and Ruben Posa.
Details

Holding Space Songwriter Showcase & Open Mic
Sun, 21 May
Auckland
21 May 2023, 6:30 pm – 10:00 pm
Auckland, 5 Cabbage Tree Swamp Drive, Sandringham, Auckland 1351, New Zealand
21 May 2023, 6:30 pm – 10:00 pm
Auckland, 5 Cabbage Tree Swamp Drive, Sandringham, Auckland 1351, New Zealand
Celebrating NZ Music Month with a showcase of local talent this May.
Details

EARTH DAY | Community Co-Created Festival
Sat, 22 Apr
Gribblehirst Community Hub
22 Apr 2023, 12:50 pm – 23 Apr 2023, 5:00 pm
Gribblehirst Community Hub, 5 Cabbage Tree Swamp Drive, Sandringham, Auckland 1351, New Zealand
22 Apr 2023, 12:50 pm – 23 Apr 2023, 5:00 pm
Gribblehirst Community Hub, 5 Cabbage Tree Swamp Drive, Sandringham, Auckland 1351, New Zealand
Details

Graham McGregor Album Launch: The Real Karangahape Road
Wed, 23 Nov
Auckland
23 Nov 2022, 7:30 pm – 24 Nov 2022, 11:00 pm
Auckland, 469 Karangahape Road, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
23 Nov 2022, 7:30 pm – 24 Nov 2022, 11:00 pm
Auckland, 469 Karangahape Road, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
The time has come to celebrate open mic and local folk/blues legend - Graham McGregor, with his Album Release on K Rd.
Details

SW4CA Workshop #22 Pepeha, Ancestors & Me w. Jean Yern
Mon, 31 Oct
MoveSpace, Mt Eden
31 Oct 2022, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
MoveSpace, Mt Eden, 473 Dominion Road, Mount Eden, Auckland 1024, New Zealand
31 Oct 2022, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
MoveSpace, Mt Eden, 473 Dominion Road, Mount Eden, Auckland 1024, New Zealand
Learn and develop your own Pepeha and join us for a discussion around the importance of knowing our ancestors and how it can enrich our songwriting and perspectives.
Details

Young Blood Open Mic #3
Thu, 07 Jul
Kingsland Trinity Methodist Church Hall
07 Jul 2022, 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Kingsland Trinity Methodist Church Hall, 400 New North Road, Kingsland, Auckland 1021, New Zealand
07 Jul 2022, 6:30 pm – 9:30 pm
Kingsland Trinity Methodist Church Hall, 400 New North Road, Kingsland, Auckland 1021, New Zealand
A fun, slick, curated open mic to encourage our young talent (18 and under).
Details

Art exhibition: A case for consumable art
Tue, 03 May
BSA Gallery, Browne School Of Art
03 May 2022, 5:00 pm – 21 May 2022, 7:00 pm
BSA Gallery, Browne School Of Art, Level 1/194 Great North Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland 1021, New Zealand
03 May 2022, 5:00 pm – 21 May 2022, 7:00 pm
BSA Gallery, Browne School Of Art, Level 1/194 Great North Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland 1021, New Zealand
An exhibition by Auckland based artists: Jono Annandale and Jack Cathro.
Details

Win-Win Open Mic w. Jono Annandale
Wed, 20 Apr
Win-Win Bar
20 Apr 2022, 7:30 pm – 27 Jul 2022, 11:30 pm
Win-Win Bar, 212 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland 1011, New Zealand
20 Apr 2022, 7:30 pm – 27 Jul 2022, 11:30 pm
Win-Win Bar, 212 Ponsonby Road, Ponsonby, Auckland 1011, New Zealand
Weekly Wednesday Open Mic hosted by Jono
Details

Portland Open Mic w. Ema Barton
Tue, 19 Apr
The Portland Public House
19 Apr 2022, 8:00 pm – 19 Jul 2022, 11:50 pm
The Portland Public House , 432 New North Road, Kingsland, Auckland 1021, New Zealand
19 Apr 2022, 8:00 pm – 19 Jul 2022, 11:50 pm
The Portland Public House , 432 New North Road, Kingsland, Auckland 1021, New Zealand
Portland's popular weekly Tuesday Open Mic in Kingsland. 8pm - midnight. A great bustling community, great food, drink and supportive environment. We book 20min slots.
Details

Win-Win Songwriter Club & Open Mic - Virtual Catch Up
Wed, 22 Sept
Zoom Virtual Catch Up
22 Sept 2021, 8:00 pm
Zoom Virtual Catch Up
22 Sept 2021, 8:00 pm
Zoom Virtual Catch Up
A chance to catch up, chat about our song-writing and lockdown adventures. Share a song each and go around the group.
Details

ACTIVITIES

Community Driven Arts

SUPPORT

Projects to help local artists get to the next level

EDUCATION

Helping The Community with Workshops, Up-skilling, Networking

EVENTS & CONTENT

Gigs, Exhibitions, Open Mics
and creating Content

SPONSORS

Thank you for Supporting our Projects

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