It’s no secret that we LOVE art and artists at HOTA. And every year we’re proud to bring you art, performances and events by some of the best local, national and international artists and creatives.

This festive season our CEO, Criena Gehrke, shares her thoughts on what the world might look like without the courage, imagination and fearlessness of artists and creatives:

‘It’s that time of year again. Carols are being sung, bells are being rung and lists, both naughty and nice, are being made. Long, hot (let’s not discuss here the fact that it is getting too hot), summer days are spent swimming, eating, sharing time together. Rinse and repeat.

‘It’s no surprise that I love this time of year. The silly season brings people together, it has heightened emotions and human drama (Christmas lunch with the family anyone?), stories are shared and memories made. It is a time of nostalgia for Christmases past, longing for those we miss, gratitude for the ones we love and joy for all we have. Art does all the same things - it brings us together in all our human glory.

‘What I love most is that during the festive season we are surrounded by art and creative industry. And we don’t even realise it. Imagine this, a world without artists and creatives….

‘You wake Christmas morning to the sound of silence. There are no gifts under the tree, no decorations, no string of cards above the window wishing you festive cheer. You are naked. Your coffee machine doesn’t exist. No dangly Santa earrings or novelty boxer shorts this year. The Christmas eve tradition of watching Love Actually, and crying every single time Emma Thompson finds that necklace, no longer exists. No video games, no books to read, no bikinis to wear. No Christmas wrapping paper, no hymns or songs of faith.

‘That is what a world without art and creativity looks like. Rudolf the Red Nosed Reindeer wouldn’t exist without composer Johnny Marks and the musicians who have recorded your Christmas album. Christmas cards are lovingly designed by talented graphic designers, as are video games, wrapping paper and decorations. Movie marathons filled with schmaltzy feel good festive viewing require filmmakers, actors and crews. Your dog eared book filled with sand and marked with salt water is thanks to the long hours and hardwork dedicated by the writer.

‘So this year, I give thanks to our artists and creatives. I am grateful for your courage, your imagination and your dedication. You dream big and bring our world to life. You make this world a better place to be.’

Criena

PS: This year please consider giving the gift of art. Gorgeous local artisan products are available at markets and online. Or maybe gift a ticket to a show.

_{Image credit: Part of our 2019 Cristmas Commission by Samuel Leighton-Dore}