Artists to interact with public during Open Studios Project residency at The Arts Village in Rotorua

From left, Roymata Holmes, Glenys Courtney-Strachan and Kharl WiRepa. PHOTO/STEPHEN PARKER

The public has a unique chance to engage with artists over the next six weeks through a project run by The Arts Village.

The Open Studios Project is providing artists with a residency which gives them the time and space to create, experiment and innovate. But while they are doing it, the artists must also give the public an opportunity to be part of the process.

According to Arts Village manager Mary-Beth Acres the aim is to connect artists to their audiences and enliven the community through artistic engagement.

"One of the other wonderful outcomes is seeing people from different backgrounds have the opportunity to connect with each other in a very meaningful way," she said.

"Art is something that speaks across different cultures, education levels, and other factors that sometimes divide the community socio-demographically. Art also has the unique ability to bridge gaps sometimes caused by barriers such as language."

Three artists have been chosen - fashion designer Kharl WiRepa and visual artist Glenys Courtney-Strachan, both of whom are Rotorua residents, and Auckland dancer Roymata Holmes.

They will each receive exclusive use of studio space during the residency, internet access, a $500 grant for materials, and a $2000 stipend to support their living costs.

Part of the challenge is for the artists to come up with ideas about how the public can be part of the process.

"It gives real opportunity to the artists to have meaningful interactions with their audiences through our space," said Ms Acres.

The six-week residency was very rewarding for the artists chosen for the project, with an estimated 1500 to 2000 visitors coming through the studios last year, she said.

What: Studios Project Opening
Where: The Arts Village, cnr of Hinemoa and Hinemaru St
When: Tonight 5pm - 6:30pm
Cost: Free