Opening night Monday 23rd 7.30pm - 9.30pm. Karanga starts at 7.30pm. All welcome.
Kia ora. My exhibition explores how Wellington would look if Te Reo was our only language. I imagine an alternate future where Te Reo is normalised, our signage is in Te Reo, and English/Reo Pākēhā although welcome is no longer our default.
My inspiration comes from visiting Quebec, where French is the default language for every day life, thanks to Bill 101 passed in 1977. Bill 101 was not without controversy, but today about 95% of Quebec residents speak French. Without trying, I picked up words and context in French, simply by being surrounded by it.
I wish to imagine Wellington in the same light, as if Te Reo was our default language. The colonial buildings still remain, the shops are the same, but Te Reo is now a first-class citizen and not simply a subtitle for government departments.
I hope you find this exhibition inspiring, challenging and an exciting view into an alternative present.