This regional organisation promotes the arts and creative enterprise of the Eastern Bay of Plenty and includes representatives from the Whakatane, Opotiki and Kawerau District Councils, community arts groups, iwi, economic development agencies and event organisers. Objectives of the organisation are: to promote art events, activities, groups, artists, venues and facilities; to foster quality arts promotion and cultural tourism development; to foster and promote Maori art, culture and heritage; to increase networking opportunities with the regional arts community; to increase resources and improve arts infrastructure; and to contribute to regional development of the arts community. The organisation is funded by Creative New Zealand Regional Strengths Maurangi Toi.
Formerly Whakatane Musical Theatre and Whakatane Repertory Theatre. This active amateur theatre group welcomes involvement from newcomers to the area. This organisation is respected in the community for the quality theatre it produces on a regular basis throughout the year in the form of musicals and plays.
Formed in 1957 at Edgecumbe, the Edgecumbe Choir is now based in Whakatane and has about 60 performing members from around the district. It aims to encourage the enjoyment and performance of a wide range of choral music from over the last five centuries. The Choir gives at least two public performances each year. Practices are held on Thursday evenings.
The Whakatane District Community Arts Council (CAC) is an arts promotion organisation made up of representatives from major arts groups and other interested people.
The CAC organises the annual Whakatane Summer Arts Festival, which commences in the last week of January and runs through till late March. Major events include the Molly Morpeth Canaday Art Award for Painting and Drawing, a multi-media exhibition, Sculpture Symposium, Jazz and Shakespeare in the Park, contemporary drama and, usually, performances by national groups such as the New Zealand Ballet and/or New Zealand Symphony Orchestra.
Contact
Jacqui Hughes
Phone
07 308 4098
Postal
Po Box 599, Whakatane
Whakatane Museum and Gallery
The Gallery has a changing programme of dynamic & challenging exhibitions featuring works by local, national and international artists. Our Museum displays include fascinating and informative items of both local and national significance and feature Maori and European histories. Open 7 days.
Contact Whakatane Museum and Gallery.
Phone 07 306 0505.
Postal PO Box 203, Whakatane.
Creative Eastbay - Te Taurapa a Toi
Ngati Awa Creative Arts
C/o Louvain Street, Whakatane
The Edgecumbe Choir Incorporated
Theatre Whakatane Inc.
Whakatane & District Historical Society Inc.
Whakatane Arts Society
Whakatane Community Orchestra
Whakatane District Community Arts Council
Whakatane Museum and Gallery
11 Boon Street, Whakatane
Whakatane Music Society
The official tourism information website for the Whakatane District, including Ohope and Murupara, in the Eastern Bay of Plenty. Whakatane is a coastal town, situated in the North Island of New Zealand, just one hour drive from Tauranga and Rotorua.
