Arts centre blows out candles

As Estuary Arts Centre in Orewa prepares to celebrate its fifth birthday next month, there are positive signs that its funding will soon be on a more secure footing, allowing it to grow.

Manager David Poole was among a small group of residents who approached Rodney District Council five years ago asking for an arts facility to be set up in the former KFC building on Western Reserve.

He says a great deal of hard work by volunteers and artists built Estuary Arts into a centre with a solid reputation for exhibitions and a strong role in nurturing local talent.

David says funding from Auckland Council, which has just completed an audit of the centre, and the possibility of money from the current Auckland Regional Services Trust funding round, will be crucial to the centre’s development.

Immediate plans once funding is secured include expansion of the education facility.

As part of its birthday celebrations on March 10, Estuary Arts will hold a special exhibition as well as an open day showcasing the range of artistic talent on the Hibiscus Coast.

The open day is being organised by the Hibiscus Coast Community Arts Council, which is responsible for encouraging arts across the community including the visual, literary and performing arts.

The open day on March 10, will be attended by Mayor Len Brown and include live entertainment and displays by artists on Western Reserve.

Local artists and art groups of all types are invited to register to be part of the open day. Promotional displays may be assembled without charge and stalls will be available for hire.

The Centre itself will feature an open exhibition entitled Celebration, to mark the birthday. Any artists in the region working in any indoor or outdoor medium can submit works for the show.

To find out more about the open day or to register to take part, ph Pat Shanks 426 4736, or email rpshanks@xtra.co.nz

To submit work for Celebration, contact Estuary Arts, ph 426 5570 or visit them at 214b Hibiscus Coast Highway, Orewa.

Estuary Arts Centre’s 5th birthday celebrations • Estuary Arts Centre and Western Reserve, Orewa • March 10, 9am to 5pm