KOAST – discover art for fun’s sake

An event that aims to boost Northland’s art ecosystem and connect artists with audiences is expected to bring around 4000 visitors to the district when it kicks off this Labour Weekend.

KOAST Arts Trail runs from Friday 24 October to Monday 27 October. It arms art lovers with a trail map and encourages them to engage with artists in their studios and to check out local talent showcased at galleries and art hubs around Northland. Artworks include paintings in oil, acrylic, watercolour and mixed media as well as sculptures, jewellery, ceramics, weaving and more.

This year, KOAST organisers have expanded the trail locations to include businesses in smaller communities. Trail-goers can visit studios and galleries in Kaitāia, Mangōnui, around the Hokianga, Kaikohe, Kawakawa and the Bay of Islands.

To help promote the event, which aims to ensure the long-term sustainability of Northland’s art community, organisers were granted $5000 from the Bay of Islands-Whangaroa Community Board and $3000 from the Kaikohe-Hokianga Community Board.

Find out more at - KOAST - Tai Tokerau Art Trail.

KOAST launched in 2014, with works from 32 artists and attracted around 1000 visitors.