Art in the Park is a uniquely curated art show which is being developed by Shore residents and business owners Sofija Matich and Cary Cochrane to offer a new platform for New Zealand artists annually at Eden Park. Having worked together at the Flagstaff Gallery in Devonport, they are an experienced team with specialist knowledge of delivering contemporary art exhibitions and events to Auckland communities.

Art in the Park will provide the opportunity to meet New Zealand’s best artists and enjoy an unforgettable weekend of art and culture. For more than a century, Eden Park has been the home of New Zealand’s great sportspeople. Now it will also be home to some of our great artists. This is the first opportunity of its kind to see curated contemporary art at New Zealand’s national stadium.

At this year's inaugural show you can go behind the scenes with 100 of New Zealand's most impressive artists. Hear them talk about their art, watch them create, and be inspired. Enjoy a family-friendly ticketed event where kids go free, and you can explore both the art and Eden Park itself.

Cary Cochrane has a passion for art and people and has organised multiple large-scale charity events throughout the world. As the owner of the Flagstaff Gallery, she specialises in nurturing artistic talent and is known for her warmth and expertise in this field.

“Art in the Park provides a truly unique platform for New Zealand artists to connect communities at a time when our collective experience has never been closer, and yet at the same time more isolated,” says Cary.

Sofija Matich has a proven record of creating new opportunities for businesses and people to maximise their potential. She has orchestrated hundreds of events for some of the world’s largest arts institutions, including the National Gallery and the Wallace Collection in London.

“We believe in bringing communities together through art that creates connections and enriches cultures,” says Sofija. “Eden Park gives us the opportunity to do that on the largest scale yet. By shining a light on the best emerging and established New Zealand artists, we aim to set the stage to connect this talent with everyone from aspiring collectors and enthusiasts, to celebrities, to the everyday public – so that the best in our country’s creativity is championed to the degree it deserves.”

Art in the Park – Friday 23rd, Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th July, Eden Park, Auckland. Tickets start from just $15 and are on sale now  at www.artinthepark.co.nz. Ticket sales will help to support and fund ongoing arts initiatives at Eden Park.