You couldn't get further away from an artist's studio or concert auditorium than the Laboratory for Animate Technologies at the University of Auckland's Bioengineering Institute.

My grandfather's book of Sundowner columns in selected form is kind of my Bible. I still have dreams he is alive, if missing a few marbles, writes Alan Duff.

Collection of letters, photos and artworks shed light on key moments in nascent arts culture of 50s-80s.

Tributes to a "wonderfully spirited woman" are flowing as news of Kiwi actress Sophia Hawthorne's death spreads.

Hopes of adding a Grammy to the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra's awards cabinet have been dashed after the accolade was handed to the Boston orchestra instead.

Australian Stuart Maunder has led the New Zealand Opera company for the past two years. He directed Tosca, now out in cinemas nationwide, and confesses to an unhealthy obsession with Gilbert and Sullivan operettas.

It's not every night frogs rain down on stage at a theatre, but in The Book of Everything that's what happens - sort of.

Harsh realities of modern life in the Pacific are portrayed in a stunning stage work, writes Dionne Christian.

What did the Cold War and housework have in common? British author Helen Dunmore reveals the 'ordinary' part of the dramatic period in history to Nicky Pellegrino and how she gets to intimately know her characters.

He's best known for his roles on television as a funny guy, but Tainui Tukiwaho is serious about a long-term career in arts management.

"Curiouser and curiouser," said Alice in Wonderland. She might have said the same about current exhibitions in Auckland.

Jennifer Dann finds out what audiences can expect from New Zealand's first LGBTIQ Literary Festival this month.

Chris Crowe takes Dionne Christian behind the scenes of theatre production.

Chris Parker achieves a fine balance between poignancy and humour in his autobiographical tale about a boy's passion for dance and his journey of self-discovery.

For performer Ian Michael, the story of Australia's Stolen Generations - Aboriginal children forcibly taken from their families - is personal.

John Psathas is very much at ease with big projects, as you'd expect of the man whose music opened and closed the 2004 Athens Olympics.

Festival-goers will be treated to the work of a pioneer of modern movement, writes Bernadette Rae.

Today on the anniversary of his death, Emma Michelle and Anne Maxwell reflect on how JD Salinger's writing first influenced the world and how it continues to do so now.