Holding Ground Exhibition, held in 2023–24, Huakaiwaka Indoor Gallery

Holding Ground was a free indoor sculpture exhibition featuring 47 works by some of New Zealand’s best and most loved artists. These beautiful works spanned multiple mediums and changed over the course of the exhibition. The show featured larger dramatic pieces in the Huakaiwaka visitor centre atrium down to delicate and intricate smaller works in the gallery and everything in between.

The exhibition, curated by Cheryl Wright, ‘held the ground’ left by a decision to postpone the biennial Sculpture in the Gardens until the summer of 2024–25 to avoid clashing with the city’s two other premier outdoor sculpture events – Sculpture on Shore and Sculpture on the Gulf.

“We know that gardening and being in gardens is good for your wellbeing, and we know that art is good for your wellbeing so it is great to be able to bring the two together for visitors to the Auckland Botanic Gardens. Combine a visit with a stroll in the stunning gardens for a truly memorable and enjoyable day out,” says Auckland Botanic Gardens manager Jack Hobbs.

A series of activities were held over the summer including guided walks of the permanent trail, artist talks, and public workshops for making art of various media.