Cross Street Carnival 2
For the second time, Cross St Studios and Fleet FM collaborated to present the Cross Street Carnival, once again flooding the inner city street with live music, alternative entertainment and rows of arts and craft stalls.
Blending the spontaneity of a Mardi Gras with the communal spirit of a country fair, this year’s free, non-commercial outdoor party was held under a giant bed-sheet canopy stretched overhead, designed by architect Jun Tsujimoto.
The performance programme included a short concert by the Auckland Mandolin Orchestra; roaming entertainment from jugglers, drag queens and the mysterious musical cult Fertility Festival; and Joie de Musee, Musee de Vivre, a collaborative street piece by Michelle Osborne and photographer Jennifer French. A dedicated activities stage also hosted an expanded Boxwars competition, which featured a choreographed performance titled Cardboard City vs Cardboard Monsters.
Upstairs in Cross St Studios, the Inside Out Tea Party offered a respite from the festivities; the entire gallery transformed into an Alice in Wonderland-type setting with oversized paper mâché mushrooms and an indoor swing, where visitors could sip cups of tea provided by the collective.
The Cross Street Carnival was made possible with support from the K Road Business Association, Auckland City Council, K FM, Pull Bar and First Scene.