Inspiration for the event came from Linda and Ashley Morley of Greymouth, who have attended a similar event in South Africa.  The organizers of the South African event were not only happy for this event to be started up on the West Coast of South Island, but they also sent their Chairperson and two emerging artists to attend the inaugural event in March 2007.

Linda and Ashley have been the driving force behind the West Coast Art in the Park event, and with the committee members, have put in many hours of hard work to ensure the event has become the success it is.  This festival of arts has been very well received by West Coasters and many visitors travelling from other regions to attend.

West Coast Art in the Park Inc.’s objectives in holding a  celebration of Arts is to showcase the wonderful artistic and creative talent to be found in New Zealand and on the West Coast.  Artists from other regions as well as the West Coast are invited to exhibit at this Festival.  The artworks range from painters, sculptors, metal workers, textile art, jade carvers and everything else in between.

This event gives the artists an opportunity to network with one another and gives the public the opportunity to meet the artists and watch them at work.

The varied and eclectic performing artists are an integral part of the event, providing the public and participants with fantastic entertainment all day.

Another objective of Art in the Park is to promote and encourage the young people to work on their creativity, producing art – visual, performing and culinary. 

An area is specially set aside for Young People’s Visual Art and it is inspiring to visit this area.  The talent amongst our youth is fostered by this event.

Young chefs participate in the catering division and there are always a large number of young performers, sharing their love of music.

A large Art Activity Tent is on site where all ages are able to learn new techniques from a team of volunteer art teachers. 

Art in the Park is an exciting and stimulating event for all to enjoy.  Artworks are for sale and many have purchased their very first original artwork at this event.

West Coast Art in the Park is a not for profit community organization.

Initially the event was held in beautiful Dixon Park near the centre of Greymouth – a lovely venue for families.  The first event couldn’t have been better – the weather was glorious and the crowds poured in. 

Creative Places Awards 2007

Art in the Park, Greymouth was awarded a Creative Place Award, in the category “Cultural Festivals and Arts Events: District Councils. ” Creative New Zealand presents the annual Creative Places Awards to recognise local government’s vital investment in the arts of New Zealand. They also celebrate innovative arts projects that have enhanced the social, economic and cultural wellbeing of their communities. For more information visit http://www.creativenz.govt.nz/our-work/communities/cpa.html

TrustPower Grey District Community Awards – Tuesday 14 August 2007

Art in the Park was named Supreme Winner at the TrustPower Grey District Community Awards. In total, 13 groups received prizes at the Awards and more than $5,000 in prize money was given away. Right photo: Members of the Art in the Park committee with Grey District Mayor Tony Kokshoorn and TrustPower Community Relations Manager Graeme Purches

In the second year the heavens opened and it bucketed with rain.  Although the whole park was awash in water and mud, the crowds still came and the event was very successful.  But the organizers felt another wet event like this could not be risked, so a decision was made to move to the historic village of Shantytown.  This has been a really good choice – the village offers all weather facilities, security, added attractions, as well as the beautiful ambience of being set in native bush.

The Committee works hard each year to coordinate this event and appreciate the generosity of  sponsors who make it possible.