Discover your inner creativity

Local artists will have a chance to showcase their talents through a series of workshops during this year's inaugural Kokomai, Wairarapa Creative Festival.

The October 18-27 event will be held at venues across Wairarapa including woolsheds, rugby club rooms and galleries. It feature a series of workshops and performances of music, visual arts, film, dance, and literature.

Kokomai creative director Heidi Holbrook said the workshops will be taken by local and visiting artists and will provide participants with an opportunity to upskill and be involved in the festival.

"Kokomai is a fantastic opportunity for people to explore and develop their creativity.

"Not only will they be held across the region and encourage people to try something new, but they will engage people," Ms Holbrook said.

Masterton-based sculptor, ceramic artist and potter Sam Ludden and painter Tina Rae Carter have confirmed they will be holding workshops and Ms Holbrook is keen to hear from other members of the community who are interested in running a workshop.

"We already have an eclectic range of workshops in the pipeline, but are also looking for both children's and adults' workshop ideas that could range from cooking, dance and crafts to music and art.

"We'd love to hear from people with great ideas," she said.

Mr Ludden is looking forward to being involved in Kokomai.

"I like exposing people to new ideas and giving them a glimpse into the full spectrum of pottery and ceramics.

"Most people have had some sort of clay experience but I also like to show them the firing and glazing part of the process," Mr Ludden said.

This year's Kokomai festival theme is Flight of the Imagination, which is appropriate as the festival takes flight across the Wairarapa valley. Kokomai also means to ascend.

To register a workshop idea for Kokomai email Heidi@kokomai.co.nz by the end of April.

The full programme will be announced in August and will be available at www.kokomai.co.nz