Rotorua's first 2018 ArtsMAD to get creative juices flowing

Creations by Rotorua doll maker Liz Pearce. Photo/Supplied

The first ArtsMAD of 2018 is sure to get people's creative juices flowing and feeling inspired.

It is being held on Tuesday, 5.30pm to 7.30pm, with a gold coin koha welcome.

The ArtsMAD events are an opportunity for people to meet others who are passionate about a creative and vibrant Rotorua, and to connect about creative happenings.

Co-organiser Jill Walker says ArtsMAD 2018 will be hosted at The Monarch, Princes Gate Hotel, on the second Tuesday of March, May, August, and November by The Travelling Tuataras and Rotorua Lakes Council.

The Arts Village will no longer be a host, but will be an "enthusiastic supporter".

"It's been wonderful to have their support as we go forward to moving the venue."

Jills says a bigger venue was needed so organisers had a hunt around and the Monarch Room seemed like a great choice.

"Hopefully it will grow and might bring in a different range of people, rather than just ones we've attracted being in an arts space."

The ArtsMAD events will also be held on Tuesday nights now.

"I'm excited about the line-up of people we've got."

Photo/Supplied

Speakers include chef and visual artist Sarj Hada, doll-maker Liz Pearce, musician Anna Pilaar, product designer and woodworker Darren Porter, multi-disciplinary artist and illustrator Bobby Love, and Belinda Managh.

Speaker Angie Belcher says since she is a writer - predominantly children's writing - she is going to talk about how writing has changed for her as an independent writer.

She will talk about starting travel writing, going into children's writing and how the digital age has changed the art form.

"I'm really looking forward to the opportunity of networking with other arty people in Rotorua."

She says ArtsMAD offers a way to bring people together and there is always more power in a group of people being together to get across ideas and projects.

Speaker David Remmerswaal says he will talk about the journey he's been on with his partner Charlotte during the past six months, creating their new accessories and homewares brand, Remm.

He says he is looking forward to presenting in 'Pecha Kucha' format, as it is going to be a challenge to fit in everything he has to share so concisely.

The format will be 20 slides which appear for 20 seconds each.

"I have not been to an ArtsMAD event before, but from what I can tell so far it is run by really passionate people who are committed to sharing creative stories and inspiration to the wider community.

"When people like this are involved in anything you know they will create a very special event."