Exhibition celebrating Black joy opens for Africa Month in Tāmaki Makaurau
Published: Saturday 16 May 2026
Image credit: Synthia Bahati
A new community exhibition celebrating Black joy, identity and creative expression will open in central Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland this May as part of Africa Month.
Supported by Auckland Live and Auckland Council Events, It’s a Beautiful Day to Be Audaciously Black runs from 15–28 May at Strand Arcade on Queen Street, bringing together emerging and established artists from across the African diaspora in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Delivered by Vocal Roots, the exhibition centres Black joy through visual art, storytelling and shared experiences, creating space for connection, reflection and celebration within the community.
Adorate Mizero from Vocal Roots, says the exhibition reflects the diversity and strength of African communities in Aotearoa.
“It’s a Beautiful Day to Be Audaciously Black is about creating space for our communities to be seen, celebrated and connected. It centres Black joy and highlights the richness of African identities and experiences in Tāmaki Makaurau.”
The exhibition is shaped by two emerging curators, bringing fresh perspectives on how Black stories are presented and experienced in community spaces.
A series of public programmes will run alongside the exhibition, including a guided painting session and a community panel discussion, inviting audiences to engage more deeply with the work and with each other.
Auckland Live Director, Daniel Clarke, says the exhibition contributes to a vibrant and inclusive arts scene in the city centre.
“We’re proud to support It’s a Beautiful Day to Be Audaciously Black as part of Africa Month in Tāmaki Makaurau. Supporting community-led events like this is an important part of our role, creating more opportunities for people to engage with art, culture and each other in the city centre."
Event details
Exhibition: It’s a Beautiful Day to Be Audaciously Black
Location: Strand Arcade, Queen Street, Auckland
Dates: 15–28 May 2026
Open days and public programmes:
- Opening night: Friday, 15 May, 6.30pm–8.30pm
- Saturday, 16 May, 10am–4pm
- Sunday, 17 May, 10am–4pm (Guided painting session: 2pm–4pm)
- Thursday, 21 May, 5pm–7pm
- Friday, 22 May, 5pm–7pm
- Saturday, 23 May, 10am–4pm
- Sunday, 24 May, 10am–4pm (Community panel: 2pm–4pm)
- Final night: Thursday, 28 May, 6pm–7.30pm
Access: Free, drop-in event
