Born to Run

AUCKLAND, Today: Maori-owned creative indie Run have made the move to their new premises on Cross Street, Auckland, in the “eclectically wonderful” Karangahape Rd area.

Run CD Raymond Otene said: “Our swanky new digs are in the award-winning green-rated Ironbank Building, aligning with the agency’s values.

“Before we moved in we had mana whenua come in and whakawātea [bless] the space to launch us off on the right foot, something the agency is familiar with as they are all on their own Te Ao Māori journey.

“To kick off the move they’re part of Artweek Auckland, collaborating with mahi toi artist Lissy Cole and the Karangahape Rd Business Association Street Front project.

“They’re hosting bold and joyful crochet wheku in their new space. The artists behind the work are husband-and-wife duo Lissy Cole and Rudi Robinson.

“Despite Covid, Run are experiencing growth.”

“Much like Run co-founders McKay & Laura Cibilich, Lissy & Rudi work from a Te Ao Māori lens, incorporating sculptural and architectural forms to create large-scale three-dimensional art installations.

Lissy Cole said: “We love being able to share our art with many people. What we’ve discovered is that our art transcends many barriers and people from all walks of life can connect to Toī Māori.

“When Run reached out to see if we wanted to be part of this collaboration, Rudi and I straight away said yes! We love supporting other Māori creatives and we love what they are doing in their agency.

“Our art is a way in which we connect to our Tūpuna our present and our future. Our kaupapa is simply joy expressed through crocheted bright bold colours and forms. The colours have real energy and respond well to the vibrancy and legacy of Karangahape Rd. We hope our wheku bring joy and uplifts everyone who encounters them!

“Despite Covid, Run are experiencing growth, having a number of recent wins, including projects for Callaghan Innovation, and recently launching a rebrand of He Waka Eke Noa to Amotai, supporting supplier diversity in Aotearoa.

• www.runwithrun.com