Rotorua Arts and Community Expo chance to find new hobbies

Geyserland Art Group in action. Photo/Supplied

The Arts Village will be bustling with an upcoming event aimed at introducing people to new creative opportunities that might tickle their fancy.

The Rotorua Arts and Community Expo will take place at the Arts Village next Saturday from 10am to 12pm.

The Arts Village director Mary-Beth Acres says this is the first year the event has taken this format.

It was formerly held as an open day but was changed as the village thinks it will pack a bit more punch in a shorter time frame.

The village has had many open days over the years, traditionally in September.

"We constantly review what we are doing and realised earlier in the year might be a better time of year to join something new."

Mary-Beth says people often come in asking about how to be more connected to the arts and community organisations in Rotorua.

She says this time of year people are settled and looking at what kind of hobbies and social outlets they would like to have.

There will be more than 30 stalls of local arts and community groups and organisations, representing a wide range of hobbies, interests and community purposes.

Those attending are not all based at the Arts Village and represent a wide range of groups from across Rotorua.

"This expo is a great opportunity for people to come down and see what's on offer in Rotorua.

"At the very least they will meet some awesome people, but they will most likely come away with a couple of leads to follow up for groups or organisations they are interested in."

Art of Remembering Gallery. Photo/Supplied

She is stoked to chat to those coming with stalls and see children out doing some of the on site free activities.

"We also have a bit of a surprise up our sleeve for those coming along of a community artwork being installed which, weather dependant, will be ready to go on the 19th; and should be a bit of a conversation starter."

Mary-Beth says this is a fast and busy expo full of information and things to see, do and learn.

"Rotorua has such amazing offerings for our community to get stuck into and I am so excited for people to find out more about the amazing mahi people are doing out there."

She says the team is grateful to Creative Communities Rotorua who helped fund this event, enable them to get the word out, buy materials for some free children's activities and feed volunteers.