Auckland City of Music (ACOM) and Auckland Council’s urban regeneration agency, Eke Panuku Development Auckland will soon launch Songlines – a free interactive community exhibition celebrating the music of Tāmaki Makaurau in Takapuna, on Auckland’s North Shore.

Opening December 4, Songlines is essentially a mixtape of a dozen songs, represented by record-shaped pavement decals creating a trail of tunes. Each decal carries song lyrics from some of the city’s most memorable tracks, plus a QR code linking audiences to the audio on Spotify.

The lyrics are also referenced in displays around central Takapuna giving further information regarding the artists and songs. A converted shipping container at 38 Hurstmere will serve as an exhibition space, with photos of Auckland musicians and venues curated by From The Pit. 

Celebrating musicians of all walks (geddit?), two decals were reserved for the winners of the Play It Strange secondary school songwriting competitions, promoting the work of the songwriting charity. With plans for further Songlines installations in other neighbourhoods and communities, this first project in Takapuna is a test for the idea and feedback is welcomed. It will be active until January 12, 2022.