Artists Against Apartheid banners

These banners were made by artists Stanley Palmer and David Blair who were part of Artists Against Apartheid, which formed in August 1981 in response to the Springbok rugby tour of New Zealand from July to September 1981.

The Springbok tour was a seminal event in New Zealand's political and social history, exposing deep rifts in society. Many people objected to the tour because of South Africa's policy of racial apartheid, and many questioned racism at home. Protests caused obstruction and the cancellation of games, and violence escalated between protesters, supporters and police during the tour.

Artists Against Apartheid drew together artists from different disciplines (visual arts, music, theatre and writing) and relied on creative, less confrontational approaches to protesting against the tour, such as street theatre. They also created works to raise money for arrested protesters’ legal fees (about 2000 protesters were arrested during the tour).

AAA’s most significant public demonstration was the Grand March Against Apartheid in central Auckland on the night before the last rugby test in Auckland (12 September 1981). Stanley Palmer made this banner triptych, on which David Blair painted the text ‘Artists Against Apartheid’. Palmer’s stylised ‘A’ shapes can be seen on a variety of protest material and visual culture from this time.

Banners have a rich history dating back hundreds of years, and play a significant role in social movements, protest demonstrations and in the accompanying visual record. Their scale and dramatic qualities provide leadership and a point of focus at the head of demonstrations and rallies.

Grand March Against Apartheid

These banners were carried by six people (with poles inserted into each end), at the Grand March Against Apartheid on the night of 11 September 1981, in Auckland. Along with music and street theatre, the banners helped create a carnival-like atmosphere.

The banners were carried again the following day outside the final test at Eden Park. However, clashes between protesters, rugby fans and the police were particularly violent that day in the streets surrounding the game. Rocks, missiles and batons injured many people. All three banners bear damage.

After the tour, AAA became Auckland Arts Action.