Wilde Projects presents Walking in Trees, an outdoor art project connecting urban dwellers with the natural world around them. 

From 31 August to 15 September 2019, a specially constructed scaffolding staircase enables Aucklanders to walk, sit and relax in the magical sub-canopy of a majestic Himalayan cedar tree in Albert Park.

Walking in Trees illuminates Albert Park’s fascinating history. Built on the remnants of an ancient volcano, a pā site and military barracks, and located above 3.5 km of underground tunnels, the park has also played host to music festivals, graduation celebrations and significant antiwar, queer, feminist and land protests.

“French philosopher Maurice Merleau-Ponty wrote that genuine philosophy is about re-learning the way we see the world, and in a similar way this project provokes a similar desire”, says contributing artist Richard Orjis.

Walking in Trees asks such questions as: How might we build cities in alternative ways? What histories are seen and unseen? What forms of collectives are now needed? How can collectives cross borders and encompass sameness and difference with other humans, plants and animals? 

Walking in Trees creates an opportunity for its audience to explore the city from a new perspective, and along with the sculptural installation, to engage with free talks and workshops that explore creativity, ecology and local histories.

Walking in Trees - Public Programmes:
There will be 6 free programmes to attend throughout the duration of Walking in Trees.

September 4: Drawing together: Free lunchtime drawing session 
September 10: Making Clay Seed Balls with Levi Brinsdon-hall
September 11: Drawing together: Free lunchtime drawing session 
September 13: Fungi For The Future
September 14: Wild-walk: Eco-art walk for Kids
September 15: Cruising in the Park: A queer drawing walk-shop.

The inaugural Walking in Trees project in 2014 attracted 5,000 visitors in just ten days through a Moreton Bay Fig Tree in the park. 

We acknowledge and pay respect to Ngāti Whātua Orākei as the Tangata Whenua of Albert Park and the Waitematā.

This project has been made possible with the support of
the Auckland Council and Waitematā Local Board

$2 per hour to a max of $12 on weekends and a $12 flat rate for weekday evenings at The Civic car park. Find out more

Last updated: 03 September 2019