5 new categories for wearable CreationFest

SHOWCASE: Show director Darlene Mohekey (left); CreationFest event co-ordinator, Jo Romanes ; Rotorua Creative Arts Trust, Terry Wheeler and show co-director/choreographer, Sera Devcich. PHOTO/SUPPLIED221113CREATIONFEST

Rotorua's CreationFest will feature five new wearable section categories in 2014, all with an emphasis on dynamic innovation.

The categories were announced at a workshop held this week.

CreationFest will be held across five shows at Blue Baths next year - a full dress rehearsal and matinee for primary and intermediate children on July 15, a second matinee for children and the elderly on July 16, followed by three evening performances with the gala finale on Saturday, July 19.

"Those who attended the workshop were very keen and supportive and provided us with some great feedback which will help ensure the show's success," said CreationFest event co-ordinator, Blue Baths managing director Jo Romanes.

She said the new event would aim to foster art, talent and youth in the community, mirroring the Blue Baths Emerge entertainment programme, launched two years ago to provide a platform for young performing artists.

Rotorua Creative Arts Trust member Terry Wheeler said the Blue Baths team was doing a great job.

"The trust was thrilled to see Jo and her team step up to the challenge and ensure this great event will continue to be a part of Rotorua. As trustees, we're enjoying still being a part of the process and seeing these great new plans come together and evolve for the benefit of the community."

CreationFest 2014 will also incorporate live performance and film sections, with young locals having the opportunity to be part of the live performance for the shows. They will be selected through auditions.

An event website is expected to be launched before Christmas and an education and support programme will be offered to help entrants, along with a mentor programme for youth interested in internships in technical services, photography or make-up.

Choreographer and designer Sera Devcich, and actor Darlene Mohekey will be co-directors of CreationFest. Entries are expected to open early in 2014.

CreationFest 2014 categories

Metal Mania: Create a garment using all things metal - Steelo pads, aluminium cans, recycled machinery, tinfoil, wire; if it's a metal fibre you can use it but think outside of the toolbox.

Home and Heritage: Create a garment that tells the story of your family tree - think culture fusion, buildings, monuments, music, cultural dress, history, works of art, anything that's an important part of your heritage.

Sweet Dreams and Beautiful Nightmares: Take the things dreams are made of - light and lovely or scary and hairy, bring us frights and fantasies that are out of this world.

Natural New Zealand: Use naturally occurring mediums, anything from shells and straw to feathers and ferns, anything created by Mother Earth and look into the techniques of yesteryear - go environmental.

Moving Parts: Create an interactive garment with moving parts, engineering or lights, test your innovation, use technology and mechanics to bring it to life.