New public fund to be presented at Whanganui Arts Forum

Whanganui Arts Forum attendees will hear a presentation on the Quartz Museum of Studio Ceramics. Photo by Stuart Munro

The third Whanganui Arts Forum for 2017 is to be held next Wednesday evening.

There will be brief presentations on the Quartz Museum of Studio Ceramics, UCOL, progress on the Creative Arts Strategy, and the newly established Public Art Fund.

Whanganui District Council arts facilitator Riah King-Wall says there will be plenty of time for feedback and updates from attendees about their own work.

The arts forums were initiated by Whanganui District Council arts portfolio holder councillor Helen Craig and former arts facilitator Debbie Kapohe.

Ms Craig said the idea to hold regular arts forums was based on the council's positive ageing model which brings interested people together regularly to generate and share ideas.

"Whanganui has such a diversity of creative artists and there are a number of people doing heritage and restoration work with buildings and vehicles.

"The council also wishes to be better engaged with our community partners in the arts, including both practising and non-practising artists, the business sector and wider community and the forums are seen as an important initiative to achieve this," said Ms Craig.

The regular forums are intended to generate momentum for creative projects and provide the right support.

Ms King-Wall, who succeeded Ms Kapohe in July this year, says this final forum for the year promises to be a good gathering.

"All are welcome and please bring a plate for a tasty shared supper.

"There will be opportunity for people to mingle and share ideas."

Whanganui Arts Forum: Pioneer Room, Whanganui War Memorial Centre, October 11 at 5.30pm.