Launch of Ika 4 Journal of Literature and Art

Well-known New Zealand writers mix with emerging South Auckland talent in the newest edition of Ika published by the Manukau Institute of Technology (MIT).

Ika 4 will be launched as part of the 2016 Auckland Writers Festival, at a public event at Auckland Central City Library on Saturday 14 May from 12.00-1.00pm.

Anne Kennedy, editor of Ika 4 and award-winning novelist and poet, says the journal aims to "juxtapose different voices, images and world views, to invite readers to witness exciting conversations and collisions."

"Ika's philosophy is that art IS diversity," she says.

The journal features new work by distinguished New Zealand writers, including Bill Manhire, Paula Morris, David Eggleton, Albert Wendt, Courtney Sina Meredith and Pip Adam.

It also launches fresh talent from MIT's Creative Writing programme.

"Ika was born in South Auckland, and South Auckland will always be at its heart. The journal looks out at the world from there," says Anne.

"Because the journal has a combination of writing and visual art, Ika as an object is important, and it's a very beautiful object."

Produced by MIT Creative Arts students, the journal features original art and photography. Richard Orjis, Ika 4 art director and artist, says the starting point for the visual artwork was moananui.

"The art is linked to themes of the ocean, water, or fluidity. It was inspired by a quote by writer and anthropologist Epeli Hau'ofa: "…the sea is our pathway to each other and to everyone else, the sea is our endless saga..."

"It is very much student-led," he says. "The design team created the publication as an exploration into contemporary Pacific graphic design, and a connection to real-world outcomes."

Says Anne: "At issue four, Ika is coming of age. We're super excited to once again include so many wonderful writers and artists."

"Ika 4 will be launched during the Auckland Writers Festival, at the Central Library, so will be part of the enormous buzz that goes on that weekend."

Copies of Ika 4 will be available at the Auckland Writers Festival, and through Parsons online from 15 May 2016.

The MIT Creative Writing programme is led by noted author Dr Robert Sullivan, with lecturers including Anne Kennedy, Tusiata Avia, Albert Belz, Catherine Chidgey, and Sue Orr.

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