Changing art landscape brings call for new plan | Rotorua News | Local News in Rotorua

Local art enthusiasts are invited to a meeting at the Rotorua District Council to discuss a new approach to supporting the local art scene.

Artists, gallery operators, art schools, studios, arts and crafts community groups, and designers are encouraged to attend the forum at the council Civic Centre on Monday, September 13 at 4pm.

The council's community arts officer, Kiri Jarden, said the Rotorua Arts Trail, initiated by the council in 2005, promoted local art galleries, artists' studios, and public artwork to the community.

"While the arts trail has been a mechanism for advertising in an affordable way, it has had mixed commercial success for studios and galleries outside of the CBD."

She said part of the issue was the changing arts landscape.

"Studios and galleries have shifted, moved away, or just opened their doors - and the current set-up is not part of a regular cycle of updating information."

Ms Jarden said the council published a directory of artists, designers, arts and crafts organisations, and venues, with the first trail five years ago.

Anyone interested in attending the meeting should contact Ms Jarden on (07) 350 0209 extn 8154.