As the mural town of New Zealand, Katikati has much to offer as a destination. Now, with a new creative arts centre, The Arts Junction, Katikati is becoming known as a destination not just for its murals, but all forms of art.
The Arts Junction is a multi-purpose facility, where arts and information live—home to a visitor information centre, exhibition space and a theatre.
A Bright Welcoming Space
What used to be the old library is now a bright, welcoming space open 7 days a week to the community and visitors, staffed by volunteers.
A quirky wooden walkway artwork welcomes visitors through its doors, letting them know there’s much more magic to be discovered inside.
Once inside, the visitor centre provides plenty of information on Katikati’s history and things to see and do in the town, whilst a small retail space sells Katikati Open Air Art souvenirs and assorted local crafts such as honey, soaps, lotions, candles and books.
The Carlton Gallery encourages local emerging and established artists and craftspeople to exhibit in a space easily accessed by the public at a minimal charge. With beautiful artwork adorning the walls, visitors can view pieces available for sale and be amazed by the level of skill and creativity found in our community.
The theatre space offers a variety of uses, catering for performances and practices of drama, dance, music and the projection of film. Monday Matinee Movies have proven popular attracting 20 to 30 people every week, while the Katikati Theatre have already held 4 productions and have introduced a monthly club night.
The Katch Katikati offices are located in the building, allowing them to carry out their community initiatives which include running the Open-Air Art Festival, collaborative events such as the Echo Walks and Christmas in the Park, and other local festivals and activities.
Meeting rooms are also well used, with community users booking the spaces regularly. Creative BOP also base themselves out of the building one day a week—a fantastic benefit to the local arts community.
Positive Feedback after TECT Funding
Jacqui Knight, Katch Katikati Coordinator says feedback from the public and visitors has been incredibly positive.
“People cannot believe the transformation from what was once the old council office and library to what we have now. It’s a unique space the whole community and visitors from near and afar can appreciate.
“We’ve had over 23,000 visitors to the Arts Junction in the first 12 months, excluding all the private bookings and community group usage. It’s wonderful to think how many people are visiting, coming to share in their love of the arts and to learn about all that Katikati has to offer.”
With a TECT grant of $30,000, the Arts Junction could be created with new cabinetry, a lick of paint and some lighting upgrades needed.
Jacqui says that TECT’s funding allowed them to complete the project to an amazing standard.
“It now truly has the wow-factor. We couldn’t have done it without TECT’s support.”
TECT have supported Katch Katikati since 2016 with funding towards their operating costs, which goes towards their many initiatives including the running of the information centre and the coordination of festivals and activities.
Katch Katikati’s main goals are to enhance the environment, maintain heritage conservation, business creation and development, increase employment and provide community support and encouragement.
To learn more about the Arts Junction and their latest exhibitions, visit their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/TheArtsJunction/. To learn more about what’s happening in the Katikati community, visit https://katikati.org.nz/.
