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.

They're just photos of my friends, who were transexuals, dancing and having a good time.

A Wellington auction house is preparing to put some of the country's best paintings up for sale, including a Colin McCahon expected to reach more than $300,000.

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.

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.

Audience member pulled up on stage at Cirque du Soleil's Quidam show describes ordeal as "tasteless and very awkward".

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

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.

Comic mix of stage and home movies sad at heart, writes Dionne Christian.

For many authors, the prospect of having their books adapted for the stage or screen can be daunting.

New Zealand concertgoers have developed a taste for the cool, yet vibrant, sound of baroque music delivered in the performing styles of its day.