Overseas rewards for creativity

House of Travel has sponsored a major prize of a return trip to New York for this year's CreationFest. From left are House of Travel director Ken Muller, organiser Jo Romanes, and House of Travel director Pam Turner. Photo/Stephen Parker

A trip to the Big Apple is just one of the prizes up for grabs in this year's CreationFest - and time is running out to enter. The window of opportunity is running out for those wanting to participate in the Wearable and Short Film sections of CreationFest and people are being encouraged to enter sooner rather than later.

If potential entrants needed any extra incentive to take part, it's been announced the supreme winners in these two categories will have the chance to jet off to New York and Melbourne.

Formerly known as Wearable Creationz, this year's CreationFest incorporates wearable art, short film and live performance, combined into a vibrant and innovative show being held over five performances at the Blue Baths in Rotorua in July. Official entries close on June 1, however CreationFest event manager and Blue Baths managing director Jo Romanes said if designers and film makers left it much longer to make a decision, they may find themselves short on time to complete their masterpieces.

"We are suggesting those who are planning on getting their entry to the stage and screen don't waste another minute; get those entries in today, and with school holidays, now is a perfect time for families to work on their creations together."

She said House of Travel had come on board as a key prize sponsor, with the Supreme Wearable prize including return flights for two from Auckland to New York, 10 nights' apartment accommodation, plus $1000 spending money.

House of Travel is also sponsoring the Supreme Film category prize, with return flights for two to Melbourne, four nights' accommodation, four passes to the Melbourne Film Festival and $500 spending money. There are also cash and travel prizes for other categories.

The 10 Live Performance section participants will each receive $100, with the most promising talented youth performer taking home $500 cash. Auditions for the Live Performance section are being held at the Blue Baths on April 26 and 27, with registrations for audition time slots open now.

Mrs Romanes said more sponsors were still coming on board, with additional prizes likely to be added. "We have been overwhelmed with the level of support from the community for the event and the prizes are fantastic. I urge people to get involved and get creating. We would like to see more businesses entering, and we have several models keen to help out with Wearable Creations for those people who may be time-poor for the commitment to the runway shows."

To enter or to find out more, phone (07) 350 2119 or visit www.creationfest.co.nz. CreationFest will be held at the Blue Baths, from July 15 to 19. Tickets are on sale now.