Guest Speaker: Aaron Hawkins

Posted: Tuesday Oct 10, 2017

Creative Cities Southern Hui warmly welcomes AARON HAWKINS as delegate and guest speaker. Aaron will be participating in events for the duration of the Hui, and speaking at Creative Connections on Thursday 30th November.

‘The Creative Cities network gives Dunedin the opportunity to help local artists succeed on the world stage, and local audiences experience the world’s best.’

Aaron Hawkins has been a Dunedin City Councillor since 2013, where he currently chairs the Community & Culture committee and the Creative Dunedin Partnership, the steering group for Ara Toi Ōtepoti (the city’s arts and culture strategy).

Prior to politics he spent seven years producing and presenting the breakfast programme on campus station Radio One 91FM, and writing for Critic – Te Arohi and several national music magazines (most now sadly defunct).

After hours he chairs the Dunedin Fringe Arts Trust, who produce the Fringe Festival, the New Zealand Young Writers Festival and the Amped Music Project. He has previously served for a number of years on the board of the Blue Oyster Arts Trust.

Aaron is particularly interested in how the arts sector can drive low weight / high value economic development, and contribute to the transition to a zero-carbon economy.

‘I’m then quick to point out the intrinsic value of creative expression in a functioning democracy, and its vast potential in delivering social and community wellbeing.’

Creative Connections aims to explore creativity as the touchstone of healthy, sustainable communities and celebrate the power of collaboration to inspire.