PRIDE Lecture with Coco Solid

Jessica Hansell (Ngāpuhi, Sāmoa) is a writer, multimedia artist and musician from Tāmaki Makaurau. Also known by her rap name Coco Solid, she is the Senior Artist for the 2026 Auckland Pride Festival’s Te Tīmatanga residency.

Join us as Ane Tonga, Curator, Pacific Art, Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki introduces Coco Solid alongside Te Kura Raumata alumni Allie Howell (Waitaha, Ngāti Rangiwewehi, Pākehā), Asher McCarten (Ngāpuhi), Latamai Katoa (Ha‘asini, Tonga, Māori), Pounamu Rurawhe (Te Rarawa, Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Tukorehe, Ngāti Raukawa), Pūmanawa Rawiri (Ngāti Pāoa, Ngāti Whanaunga, Marutuāhū, Ngāti Tamaoho, Ngāti Koheriki, Ngāti Aamaru, Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki) and they share insights into the development of their new video work. Framed through Te Tīmatanga, this conversation traces Coco Solid’s enduring inter-arts practice and grassroots activism, and considers how collective practice, mentorship and shared responsibility shape artistic and political futures.

This event is part of the 2026 Auckland Pride Festival. Click on the Rainbow tag to see all the Gallery’s Pride events or check out the full Auckland Pride Festival programme at aucklandpride.org.nz .