Mainstreet Whanganui will be the event managers for Artists Open Studios Whanganui event in March next year.
The event is run on behalf of the arts community by the Artist Open Studios Trust, chaired by Ross Fallen.
"Artists Open Studios is a major event on our town calendar. We are excited about having Mainstreet manage this for us. Whanganui is a significant arts destination.
"While our studios are spread throughout the town's centre, environs and district, it is hoped that providing various side events, with almost all in the town centre, will add to the experience and vibrancy of the event.
"This event is one way we acknowledge the sheer depth and breadth of artistic talent in Whanganui," says Ross.
Artists Open Studios was founded by artists Catherine Macdonald and Sue Cooke and was an event for riverside studios when it began in 2001.
Their idea has now blossomed into a large-scale Whanganui regional event, with increasing patronage from major cities and even Australia. The 2017 event encompassed more than 70 studios opening their doors to welcome visitors and locals.
Mainstreet, which manages the Town Centre, believes there are natural collaborations and benefits between themselves and AOS. As a result of the collaboration, more art will be displayed in the Mainstreet jurisdiction, which will encourage locals and visitors into the businesses.
"We are excited to strengthen the relationship between the arts community and the Town Centre businesses, and look forward to seeing the event flourish in 2018," Mainstreet General Manager Amanda Gibbons says.
Mainstreet Events, Marketing and Promotions Manager, Kelly Scarrow explains.
"In past years, artists have displayed their artwork in shop windows encouraging visitors to visit the open studios and adding a colourful splash to the Mainstreet area. This is naturally the first place visitors see when coming to Whanganui and we are keen to bring this back into the event. We aim to grow the profile of the iconic AOS event within our amazing city. By also having many of the side events within the Mainstreet precinct, we will not only show off one of our city's greatest assets to AOS visitors, we will also be forging a link between retailers and local artists to strengthen the vibrancy of what is becoming the heart of New Zealand's art scene."
