Artists' works to go online as part of 'library of talent'

Rosie Riggir and the CHART team are doing their best to help manage a bright future for the creative community by launching a new database. Photo/Michael Cunningham

Chart North is asking for artists of all disciplines to add themselves to an online "library of talent".

The Culture Heritage Arts Resource Trust has built a database of artistic types in the North with pictures of their work.

"This will be a valuable tool for local people wanting to work together," CHART North funding and projects co-ordinator Rosie Riggir said.

"The main reason CHART decided to build an online database was so that people could have access to each other and also get an idea of each other's work," she said.

CHART North CEO Chris Carey said the database would also allow for "philanthropic giving" by the public.

Ms Riggir said she "facilitated" the database but she doesn't claim the credit - projects at CHART are a team effort.

CHART also shares office space with Creative Northland and the organisations share resources and ideas.

The services of a young and savvy local IT guru are also being employed to manage the development of a smartphone application which will help communication with art lovers.

Ms Riggir is on the artists' database herself and you can find details about her singing career including as the energetic performer for Charlie ASH (also known as CASH.)

Younger Whangarei people may remember her eclectic performance at what was then known as Salut at 69 Bank Street in 2008.

Ms Riggir went to school in Whangarei - attending Raumanga Primary and Whangarei Girls High, before heading out of town.

In her 12 years away she involved herself with the arts, and with music management in particular, both in New Zealand and abroad.

Ms Riggir said her career highlights included taking the band Sonic Youth to Piha, being part of a team that produced the first Fly My Pretties stage spectacular and in particular her time with Charlie ASH .

She not only toured Europe with Charlie ASH but opened what has become a successful art gallery, fittingly called Long White Cloud, in London's East End. In her free time she has also taken on the moniker of "Rosie Friday" for performances with a pianist.

Since returning to Whangarei in 2012 and taking up a position at CHART North Ms Rigger has been busy networking with like-minded people - it's her job after all.

Check out chartnorth.com for more information.