Wai Kōrero

We're a group of emerging designers who have been chosen to represent Aotearoa at the Prague Quadrennial, a globally recognised event in the fields of performance design and scenography. We will be exhibiting Wai Korero: a conversation bridging bodies of wai (water) from Aotearoa & the Vltava River, Prague. 

About the piece:

Our exhibition responds to wai as a geopolitical archive and container of stories as well as our water-locked position within Te Moana-Nui-a-Kiwa (Pacific Ocean). As a group, we travelled across Aotearoa, gathering sound collections from sources of wai, where we felt a strong connection—where the river meets the ocean, swamplands, lakes and underground streams and where nothing is the same for two seconds together. These sounds pulsate through a series of tubes, echoing, tunnelling to a pool of water from the Vltava River. Vibrating above, about, and below, their dialogue transforms and the invisible becomes visible — rippling, swirling conversations. Portals run amongst these tubes, allowing you to stand within, and listen to their stories; to hear in a language not always heard. Water speaking to water, Wai Kōrero.

What we need help with:

Construction of this exhibition is taking place in both Te Whanagnui-a-Tara (Wellington) and Prague. With your help in reaching our goal of $3,000, these funds would be put towards purchasing materials and tools, lighting and sound elements, transport, shipping and construction, as well as aiding flights for those travelling to Prague.

Thank you for your support!

Kate Ashworth, Kate Carrington, Sabrina Lawson, Jodi Walker, Jess Henson, Sophie Forsyth, Olivia Sage, Nick Batey, Rosie Mazur.