The South Taranaki district produces a wealth of creativity. Our rich cultural history has helped shape our national identity, and helped produce New Zealand icons such as the Patea Maori Club and author Ronald Hugh Morrieson. Our unique, dramatic landscape offers inspiration for visual artists working in a diverse range of mediums. Their artwork is showcased in our district art galleries, which also feature exhibitions from other regions. Our growing participation in public and community art reflects who we are and offers opportunities for participation and pride in our public spaces. Annual art events are a great chance for artists to get involved - give it a go and enter a competition, sell your creations at a local market or join one of our many clubs to meet like-minded people, share skills and have fun.
The South Taranaki District Council Arts Co-ordinator, Michaela Stoneman (pictured above), works with trusts, galleries, committees, schools and individuals throughout our seven towns and within our rural areas. By maintaining active links with arts groups, providers and practitioners, Michaela can offer practical advice to support you or help you make local connections that will aid you in achieving your artistic goals.
Contact Michaela: Ph: 0800 111 323 Email: michaela.stoneman@stdc.govt.nz
Check out the latest State of the arts newsletter here. State of the arts is a seasonal newsletter with all sorts of news and information for the artistic community.
South Taranaki Creative Communities funding
Click here to go to our Funding page where you can see if you are eligible for Creative Communities funding. Application forms for these grants are also available.
Local Arts Events 
Arts in the Park is a day for artists and crafts people to display and sell their handmade arts and crafts in the pleasant surroundings of King Edward Park (Hawera , held in December) or Taumata Park (Eltham – held in January). Check out our Events Calendar for more details or contact Michaela if you would like to be involved.
Taranaki Art Awards – A National Competition
This national art awards competition is hosted annually at Opunake's Sandfords Events Centre in October each year, coinciding with the Taranaki Rhododendron Festival. With over 10,000 in prize money on offer, the awards attract a wide range of entries by artists from throughout New Zealand. Displayed and judged in seven categories, most of the artworks are for sale, offering a fantastic opportunity to purchase an original piece of NZ art.
For more information click on the links below:
www.taranakiartawards.co.nz
Community Art Exhibition and Wearable Art Fashion Parade
Friday 27 - Sun 29 May 2011,
9:30am - 3:30pm, Eltham Town Hall, Stanners St Eltham. Free entry.
Gala Opening, Friday 27 May, 7pm, Eltham Town Hall, Bar facilities available. Entry $10.
Click here to see the poster.
Would you like to exhibit your artwork in this Community Art Exhibition?
If you live outside the Eltham district, all you need to do is become a member of The Village Gallery, Eltham for only $12 per year! Members have the chance to exhibit in group shows, get regular newsletters and a have a chance to get involved with an active and creative group of likeminded people. Grab this opportunity to exhibit and sell your artwork today. Contact Gallery Coordinator, Maree Liddington on 06 7645221
Parihaka Peace Festival
New Zealand's only community-organised weekend event, held at the historic Parihaka Paa, site of one of the darkest episodes in colonial NZ history.
The festival includes two stages of (mostly) musical entertainment from NZ's top performers, plus a speakers forum, a film festival, eco forum, children's entertainment, teenage performance workshop, healing zone, festival choir, arts, crafts, food, camping and parking - The perfect place to start your summer holiday. Much more than a music festival - the Parihaka International Peace Festival is the entertainment event of the summer.
For more information go to www.parihaka.com
