Introducing Deepen* - a collab in partnership with Auckland Pride

The D*List is thrilled to announce Deepen* a new curatorial programme in partnership with Auckland Pride. Led by our kaimahi Beth Awatere and Pelenakeke Brown, the kaupapa highlights queer, disabled artists and their artistry. Deepen* includes a compelling content series, immersive poetry, and a series of bespoke dinners, hosted by our artists as we acknowledge that queer spaces are not always accessible. Deepen* celebrates that we have always been here, in our communities and in relationships. 

To coincide with Pride month, each week, during February we will be sharing multimedia content beginning with a digital illustration and poem by Noell Ratapu. We will have content by Huhana Hickey and Beth Awatere exploring queerness, disability, sovereignty and Māoritanga. We have commissioned new poetry by Ruby Solly and Henrietta Bollinger and are working with videographer Julie Zhu on these works to be digitally released mid-February. Towards the end of the month, we will have two dinner activations led by artists Misty Frequency and Ari Kerssens. We will be introducing more about our artists next week and we are so excited for you to get to know them more.

Deepen* recognises that within the rainbow community many of us identify as both queer and disabled and we wanted to create a programme to celebrate our community and artistry. Our programme grew from looking at what was occurring in the Pride space and recognising the gaps. We realise that there are not many events purposefully designed for us, by us, or even if we can attend many large scale events they are often over-stimulating. As well as events often not prioritising Covid-19 safety. Instead, we decided on a different approach.

Deepen* asks us to imagine what a carefully considered, luxurious space might look like for us, and revelling within it. Our two bespoke dinner activations celebrate this idea. Misty Frequency is developing an evening that celebrates Takatapuitanga and neurodivergence within Te Ao Māori. They are creating an installation that will be installed at Nathan Homestead and can be seen at their Pride Whanau Day, January 24. Ari Kerssens is designing a dinner that de-centres sight and instead celebrates other senses like touch. These dinners are considered, invite-only events. With their intention to be intimate, opportunities for deep connection and celebrating disability artistry. We are grateful to be partnering with Nathan Homestead as our venue for both events. We are beginning this kaupapa with these small events but we look forward to growing in the future.

Deepen* is underpinned by āhurutanga - a Te Ao Māori tikanga and principle which embodies the concept of āhuru (warmth, comfort). In our kōrero with hapori (community), they shared a whakaaro around this kupu and how it can relate to the wā (time) and wāhi (places) for tāngata. It creates ways forward together without encroaching on others' space and informs one's actions and behaviours to give purpose. Ultimately āhurutanga encourages one to understand their own whakapapa to create a sense of belonging.

Deepen* places us at the centre
Deepen* understands you are with us (even when you’re at home)
Deepen* our sovereignty as queer, disabled people and tāngata whaikaha
Deepen* creates time and space for our relationships
Deepen* our community through gathering and witnessing
Deepen* asks us, where do we feel our Pride deeply?

Where do you feel Pride? Let us know and follow along with us as we share stories from our community, art and bespoke dinners for invited guests. 

How are you celebrating pride as disabled, queer person? Share your stories and photos with us online using #Deepen or via kiaora@thedlist.co.nz