Kia ora, we’re excited to get this new and collaborative initiative underway and hope that you will join us. Read on to find out more about how you can be involved.
The idea for the Coastal Arts Trail
- To promote nationally and internationally the collection of visual arts and galleries on the lower west coast of the North Island
- By connecting galleries into a cohesive package we are creating an art-lovers trail in such a way as to make it easy to explore the region through art, thereby bring more customers to your door.
- To facilitate connections amongst artists and regions, providing a cohesive platform that will bring together complimentary events, galleries and studios into one place – taking it to potential consumes and driving visitation.
This is a joint venture between Venture Taranaki, Whanganui & Partners and the Central Economic Development Agency. Once established, the structure may change, and other regions may become involved.
What are the criteria for joining the Coastal Arts Trail?
Membership of the Coastal Arts Trail is open to galleries, museums, gardens and artist's studios that meet the following criteria:
- Are within the Manawatu, Whanganui or Taranaki districts.
- Have a visual art component or element to your offering where visitors can view or purchase original New Zealand art.
- Be open set days and hours per week throughout the year (there are no minimum hours).
- Museums must have a permanent exhibition of art or an art gallery.
- Gardens must have more than 5 pieces of permanent art, including pieces produced by artists not domiciled at the garden.
Please contact us if you have any questions around the criteria.
How much will it cost?
The Coastal Arts Trail has introduced a stepped three-year funding and management transition programme:
Funding milestones are:
- YEAR ONE (June 2024 – December 2025): Introduction of a founding partners programme to establish an initial base of funding support from within the sector. Founding Partners are the Govett Brewster Art Gallery/ Len Lye Centre (Taranaki), Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery (Whanganui), Te Manawa Museum of Art, Science & Heritage (Manawatu).
- YEAR TWO (January 2026 – December 2026): Introduction of a reduced-rate membership model
- YEAR THREE (January 2027 - December 2027): Introduction of a fully paid membership model
Introduction of a reduced rate membership model (50% of the fully paid membership rate) will commence from 1 January 2026, when all participant organisations will be invited to join as members. A fully paid membership model will commence from 1 January 2027.
Pricing and categories include:
Category A
Premium gallery /exhibition venue with multiple exhibition spaces
$595.00 inc GST
Category B
Art galleries, shared exhibition spaces, gardens, museums, or Art Society/Club/Guild
$275.00 inc GST
Category C
Artist in Studio
$195.00 inc GST
What does membership to the Coastal Arts Trail provide?
- A listing on the website
- A listing in the brochure (when reprinted) and digital brochure
- Marketing promoting the trail
To register
If you meet the criteria and wish to join the Coastal Arts Trail, please complete the details in this online form. You will then be able to set up your Gallery profile which will be reviewed before going live. If we have any questions about your organisation and eligibility for the Coastal Arts Trail we will get back to you within five working days.
