What is Art in
the Park?
Art in the Park is a world-class, uniquely curated art show held at New Zealand’s premier venue, Eden Park. Meet the country’s best artists and enjoy an unforgettable weekend of art and culture.
Eden Park
The greatest stage in the country showcasing the very best in New Zealand art.
Eden Park is home to rich sporting history and countless global events, from the 1905 Empire Games to the 2011 Rugby World Cup and its ambition is to make Art in the Park no different. Held in the The Grand Hall | Te Pā overlooking the iconic Eden Park pitch, the stadium offers extensive, world-class facilities and a unique backdrop through which you can connect with art and artists alike.
Art in the Park showcases Eden Park as a premier arts and cultural venue for Auckland and New Zealand, and support and fund future arts and cultural initiatives at the stadium. Opening night tickets guarantee entry into two competitions to experience the park’s Sky Sports Rooftop Tour and Staydium Glamping prizes. Eden Park is a charitable trust with a vision to provide world-class sport, cultural and entertainment events for the people of Auckland, and New Zealand.
“The Minister of Arts, Culture, and Heritage has said that art and culture are needed now more than ever... Art in the Park showcases the wide range of diverse, entertaining, and inclusive content that we can offer Tāmaki Makaurau and Aotearoa.”
Nick Sautner CEO, The Eden Park Trust
Our Charity Partner
The King's Trust Aotearoa New Zealand
The King's Trust Aotearoa New Zealand (Formerly The Prince’s Trust) is Art in the Park's charity partner for 2024. We believe strongly in the charity's mission to support young people in achieving their dreams, which includes the next generation of budding young artists.
Every year Art in the Park sponsors one young artist from The King’s Trust & Art in the Park; Art & Enterprise Programme to exhibit at the show. The Art & Enterprise programme is a free weekend workshop developed by The Trust and Art in the Park to support young creatives in New Zealand. It covers key business and entrepreneurial skills, creative industry knowledge and insights, as well as 1-1 coaching with Art in the Park Directors, a professional artist panel discussion and meet and greet, and year-long mentoring opportunities with industry professionals.
This year’s awarded artist is Laya Rasooli – her deeply meaningful and layered abstracts, combined with a beautiful piece of poetry for each piece, made her art really stand out as this year’s risingtalent. Art in the Park 2026 will be the first professional exhibition of Laya’s work, where she will exhibit a full collection as part of the main exhibition in the show, as well as contribute one statement piece to the MAS Emerging Artists’ Gallery.
The King's Trust works for young people, and believes that every young person should have a chance to succeed. Its mission is to empower young people to build the skills for a brighter future and to change their lives for the better.
Globally, the King's Trust has supported more than 1.2 million young people and is active in 25 countries. In New Zealand, the Trust runs a robust Enterprise Programme, for young entrepreneurs aged 18-30, which consists of four key components: training, mentoring, networking, and funding from its He Kākano Seed Fund which has backed more than 120 young entrepreneurs since 2022.
To find out more about The King's Trust Aotearoa New Zealand or to apply to the Enterprise Programme, visit their website.
our story
Art in the Park is a uniquely curated contemporary art show co-founded by Sofija Matich and Cary Cochrane. Now in its sixth year, and under the ownership of The Eden Park Trust, Sofija and Cary work alongside the experienced Eden Park team and lead the show’s creative vision, curation, artist management, and event production.
Sofija and Cary bring complementary expertise and a shared commitment to championing artistic talent. Cary is the owner of Flagstaff Gallery in Auckland and has built her career around a passion for art and people. Through the Flagstaff Gallery she’ssupported local NZ talent for over a decade and has delivered large-scale charity events internationally. Sofija brings over 15 years’ experience in arts management, curation, business development, events, and cultural strategy; having worked at some of the world’s leading arts institutions, including the National Gallery in London.
Together, their strengths in curatorial practice, event delivery, and audience engagement have helped to shape Art in the Park into one of Australasia’s most visited contemporary art shows, connecting communities with the very best of New Zealand art.
"Art in the Park was created to remove barriers between artists and audiences and support New Zealand’s vibrant creative economy. Seeing it grow into one of Australasia’s most visited contemporary art shows has been incredibly rewarding. Its success reflects the strength of New Zealand’s artistic talent and the appetite for accessible, meaningful art experiences. Each year, we’re proud to provide a platform that champions artists, fosters new collectors, and brings communities together through art."
Sofija Matich
- Director, Art in the Park
- Director, Art in the Park
our aim
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We believe in bringing communities together through art that creates connection, sparks conversation, and enriches culture. Set against the iconic backdrop of Eden Park, Art in the Park does this on an unprecedented scale – creating a unique and immersive art experience that engages diverse audiences with the full breadth of New Zealand contemporary art.
As an unparalleled platform for Kiwi artists to showcase and sell their work, Art in the Park shines a light on the country’s most exciting emerging and established talent, connecting them directly with everyone from aspiring collectors and enthusiasts to celebrities and the wider public. Our mission is to champion New Zealand creativity at the level it deserves, making contemporary art more accessible, visible, and celebrated than ever before.
We’re excited to welcome you to discover and experience some of the most outstanding contemporary art Aotearoa has to offer.
