Locals gather to hear creativity message
An early start did not dampen the enthusiasm of more than 100 people from a wide variety of Marlborough’s creative sectors at a recent breakfast gathering in Blenheim.
Hosted by the Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi, the ‘All in for Arts: He Waka Toi E Eke Noa 2024’ event series was travelling around New Zealand bringing decision-makers, artists and creative champions together to uncover how creativity can propel the sector forward. It was well received in Blenheim according to Council’s Project Lead for Arts, Culture and Heritage, Nicola Neilson.
Five inspiring speakers took the podium at Te Kahu o Waipuna, including Mayor Nadine Taylor, who spoke about the power of art and its ability to connect a community.
Mayor Taylor was joined by Kylie Matthews, cofounder and COO of AWWA Period Care, filmmaker Tyler Redmond, entrepreneur Nick Gerritsen and Briar Grace-Smith, an award-winning writer of plays, feature film screenplays, short fiction and radio and television scripts.
“Mayor Nadine Taylor and I were also delighted to host Creative New Zealand, including CEO Stephen Wainwright, along with The Arts Foundation on a tour of Te Kahu o Waipuna. This gave us an opportunity to delve into the new Arts, Culture and Creativity Strategy and discuss how Creative New Zealand can assist Marlborough in its implementation,” Mrs Neilson said.