HeartWood seeks to address the challenges of our uncertain times—loss of health, habitat, and connection—by creating an inclusive, accessible space that unites people through positive action. It places living art forms at the heart of urban wellbeing, encouraging collective participation and reflection.
The aim is for HeartWood to be an inclusive place that is accessible to all.
HeartWood is a living forest sculpture that weaves together art, wellbeing, and sustainability. It is designed to create a soft, contemplative space within the urban environment, fostering empathy, healing, and hope.
By using the miyawaki method of micro-forest creation, HeartWood aims to bring nature back into the city, offering a sanctuary for both people and biodiversity.
“Manatū Taonga recognises the innovation of the application of indigenous practices in an urban environment, intersecting art, wellbeing, culture, and the environment. This project demonstrates strong community-led, collaborative, public space attributes, led by a capable team with a robust plan for consultation with local council, iwi and community.
The project has the potential to have an enduring impact on the public’s relationship with loss, whenua and the environment.”
At silvan forest
For our inaugural HeartWood, we have been gifted a site at Silvan Forest, a family-owned park with a dedicated focus on sustainability and community wellbeing. Situated within Silvan Forest, HeartWood will be an inclusive place that is accessible to all.
“We acknowledge and support HeartWood’s kaupapa, which weaves together toi (art), taiao (environment), and hauora (wellbeing) in meaningful and integrated ways. This aligns closely with our values at Silvan Forest , where community, nature, and creativity are at the heart of our vision.”
- Latasha Griffin, Silvan Forest, Charis Foundation Trust
Silvan Forest is a public mountain biking park and reforestation project, owned and operated by the Charis Foundation Trust. Entry to the park is free - HeartWood will grow within this privately owned, publicly accessible environment and offer a place of contemplation and creative engagement.
Dig a hole, plant a tree, grow some hope.
HeartWood is public art, community place-making and wellbeing focused practice in action. It offers contemporary ritual with collective planting and accessibility for contemplation and transformation. By organising the simple actions of digging into the soil and planting trees, embedded within an intentional symbolic framework for making a place, we will create a contemporary art sculpture and living installation in the form of a micro forest.
Healing through intentional movement and shared experience; art as space for contemplation and healing; wellbeing and regeneration for Pāpatuanuku and people alike.
Catharsis for the doer. Connection for the observer.
Concept | Behind the vision
Here’s an overview of our method and thinking:
Design Principles:
Micro-Forest Creation: Using the Miyawaki method, HeartWood will grow a dense, biodiverse forest in a small urban area, creating a thriving ecosystem that supports local flora and fauna.
Art as Ritual: The act of planting becomes a contemporary ritual, symbolizing hope, renewal, and collective healing.
Accessibility: HeartWood is designed to be inclusive, ensuring that everyone, regardless of ability, can participate in and enjoy the space.
Experience: Be a HeartWooder
We’re all about collective action!
The Doers: Digging a hole and planting a tree becomes a cathartic act, a tangible way to contribute to the environment and process emotions.
For Observers: The growing forest serves as a place of connection, contemplation, and transformation, offering a space to reflect on personal and collective journeys.
You can find out more about how you can support HeartWood here.
Symbolism:
HeartWood is more than a forest—it is a symbol of resilience, growth, and hope. Each tree planted represents a step towards healing, both for the individual and the community. The sculpture evolves over time, mirroring the transformative power of nature and human collaboration.
Our Call to Action:
Dig a hole, plant a tree, grow some hope.
HeartWood invites everyone to participate in this living art project, creating a legacy of empathy, sustainability, and beauty in the heart of the city. Together, we can cultivate a space where art, nature, and humanity thrive as one.
Impact:
Environmental: A thriving micro-forest that enhances biodiversity, improves air quality, and cools the urban landscape.
Social: A shared space that fosters community, inclusivity, and collective action.
Emotional: A place for catharsis, healing, and hope, offering solace and inspiration in challenging times.