The Royal Wanganui Opera House stage became a workshop space when local artists and providers met with Creative New Zealand staff.
The hui was part of the 24-stop North Island roadshow to consult with Māori artists in the regions.
The Creative NZ team are meeting with Māori artists in the regions to help develop a Ngā Toi Māori strategy.
Creative NZ Māori strategy and partnerships senior manager Paula Cuff said the national arts development agency is focused on enhancing its support for Māori arts and working in collaboration with Government and others to support, nurture and grow Māori arts.
"We're encouraging all Māori artists, arts organisations and iwi to come to the hui so they can share their views and whakaaro about what's important for them.
"We're also keen to hear from others who may have an interest in this space such as iwi entities, community groups and those who share similar goals and objectives."
Whanganui District Council arts facilitator Riah King Wall said she found the hui very worthwhile.
"They are gathering a lot of input towards shaping a new strategy and it seems to be working well.
"I really enjoyed meeting the Creative NZ team and they thought the opera house was a great venue."
The roadshow provides an opportunity to raise awareness of the role of Creative NZ and the funding and capability building opportunities available.
Opportunities for artists and regional stakeholders to build relationships with Creative NZ will also be available.