The Trust Horizon Light Up Festival returns to Whakatāne tomorrow night, kicking off with a vibrant Opening Ceremony and Light Parade, plus the eagerly awaited Art Trail.

Among the standout installations is Ātea, which looks set to be a breathtaking light and sound show at the southern end of The Strand.

Ātea, a 15-minute multi-sensory experience, is a collaboration between Tāme Iti and Te Mira Collective (a group of musicians, producers, and artists), as well as lighting and sound experts that include Angus Muir Design Studio and visual/audio installation expert Puck Murphy, while rangatahi Terangi Moaho has devised the soundtrack.

The installation reimagines the Māori legend of Tāne Mahuta, the god of the forest, who separated his parents, Ranginui (sky father) and Papatūānuku (Earth mother), to bring light and space to the world.

“Ātea represents the space Tāne Mahuta created when he parted his parents, sparking creation itself,” explained Toi Iti, a member of Te Mira Collective and son of Tāme Iti, whose artwork features in the show. “This light show captures that moment of separation.”

The installation is housed in the newly renamed building, also called Ātea, which is being transformed into a creative hub for Whakatāne.

Spearheaded by Te Ahi Tahutahu Charitable Trust – a partnership between Tāme Iti Ltd and Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi – the venue is set to become a cornerstone for the arts. “This light show is a glimpse of what Ātea as a building and creative hub will become – a space where inspiration and creation thrive,” said Waiwere Iti, also of Te Mira Collective.

The Ātea installation serves as a bold statement of intent for the hub, which is being refurbished to include collaborative workspaces, a performance and music venue, a gallery, a design store, and more.

They envision the work and reach of the hub resonating across the district, country and even internationally. “Bringing artists like Angus Muir and Puck Murphy to Whakatāne is part of our strategy,” said Toi of the art hub.

Arts and culture are vital signs of a thriving community, reflecting wellbeing and sparking innovation across all sectors, they say.

Visitors to Ātea can explore artworks by Tāme Iti and Tamzin Blair displayed in the front carpark, with signage guiding them to the entrance of the Ātea light and sound show. The experience is designed for one group at a time, ensuring an intimate and immersive encounter with this installation.

The Trust Horizon Light Up Whakatāne Festival is a collaboration between Arts Whakatāne, EPIC Town Centre Group, and the Whakatāne District Council – celebrating the arts, music and dancethrough light.

What else can you see:
■ He Tohu – by Sarah Hudson
■ Black Mirror: Flora – by Creature Post
■ Aquarium – by Meadow Club
■ Nature’s Dance Floor – by Tamzin Blair
■ Illusive Geometry – by Tania Akehurst
■ Liquid Lumia – by Erica Sklenars
■ Manutukutuku – by Fiona Collis
■ The Way Home – by Mink Funk Visuals
■ Cymatic Connections – by Peter Hobbs
■ Nukunuku Whakairo: Carving with the Camera – by Zena Elliot and Tia Barrett
■ She Henge – by Tamzin Blair
■ Fungal Foray – by Nico Woodward
■ Through the Falls – by Daimen (at Quayside Apartments)
■ Disco Disco – by ProjektNZ
■ Te Waharoa Marama – by Hemi Stewart
■ Nga Pou Marama – by Hemi Stewart
■ Mapping – by Mink Funk Visuals
■ Kura Group Projects – by Whakatāne High School
■ Te Kahui Tieke – by Halo Whakatāne

Trust Horizon Light Up Festival
■ Where: Whakatāne town centre
■ When: Saturday, July 5-12
■ Opening ceremony and Light Parade: Saturday, July 5
■ Information: www.facebook.com/lightupwhakatane and www.lightupwhakatane.com