Arts & Culture

Looking at websites and literature about the Eastern Bay of Plenty, it would be easy to think that everyone is outdoors all the time, fishing, tramping, swimming and generally enjoying the outdoors. You might be surprised to know that the region has a very active arts and culture scene which is an important part of the community strength and identity of the region.

There are a number of very active organisations and groups providing forums for the arts and creative enterprise of the Eastern Bay of Plenty. Creative Eastbay is the regional body dedicated to promoting art activities, fostering quality arts promotion and promoting Maori art, culture and heritage. There are also a number of amateur and community groups providing outlets for your artistic talents.

Theatre Whakatane is an active amateur theatre group which welcomes involvement from anyone who is interested, including 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 in Edgecumbe, the Edgecumbe Choir [www.edgechoir.org.nz] 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.  It 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 performances by national groups such as the New Zealand Ballet and the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra.

The Whakatane Museum and Gallery has a 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.

For film buffs the Opotiki Film Club screens a monthly art-house film on a Friday and Monday; often combining an afterscreening dinner at a local cafe.