Arts festival to light up Napier with White Night artwork

The MTG Napier will be one of ten venues holding events this weekend for White Night as part of the Hawke's Bay Arts Festival. Photo/ file.

The newly emerging Arts Quarter in Napier's central business district will be highlighted this weekend through the Harcourts Hawke's Bay Arts Festival.

Napier's first "White Night" celebration kicks off on Saturday bringing a series of exhibitions, live performances, interactive events and artists in residence to the city.

The night inspired by Nuit Blanche in Paris was formed to make arts and culture accessible to everyone in the community and will be seen at 10 different locations.

One of these locations is MTG Napier, who will play host to "Splendour at the Museum". There will be curators offering mini tours of exhibitions, a pop up bar and Paella A Go Go on the forecourt.

There are also two ticketed events being held at the MTG Century Theatre with The Kugels performing at 5.30pm and designer David Trubridge's Beauty Matters at 8.30pm.

Just along from MTG, on Herschell St, will be a laser light show after sunset and every hour on the hour, courtesy of Boom Factory.

An interactive art installation and live performance by The Lemons will be hosted by Creative Arts Napier, while other musicians will also be out and about in the CBD.

The Pencil Room educational art studio would also like people to add their creative marks to a collaborative artwork celebrating White Night, while The Drama Workshop is asking for contributions from the public for a "magical" story from Dr Seuss.

White Night doubles as a birthday celebration for Viva Gallery's artists, who have just chalked up a year in their Hastings St premises. They will all be on site on the night, intending to show off new work and do some creating on the spot.

Wardini Books Napier, Tennyson Gallery, Rabbit Room, the Department of Curiosities and Fine Things and SPA_CE are also joining the party with more creative initiatives.

Napier City Business Inc manager Zoe Barnes said White Night was the perfect opportunity to highlight the newly emerging Arts Quarter in the CBD.

"We look forward to showcasing our many creative businesses through such a unique and fun event. It's fabulous to see a free, family friendly arts festival event in Napier this year."

The event runs from 7pm until 10pm. For more information visit: www.hbaf.co.nz.