A collective of individuals, businesses and community groups have come together with the goal of championing Wanaka’s creative sector with a weekend of events at ‘Toi’ (October 17 – 18).

Toi will feature two days of workshops, exhibitions, and performance immediately following the Three Lakes Cultural Trust’s inaugural RenewArt event, and just before the WAO Reset Summit.

Wanaka’s design scene is fast building a reputation as a creative hub, Ignite Wanaka executive officer Naomi Lindsay said.

“This initiative will further strengthen this growing reputation and shine a light on the incredible talent and businesses we have within the community,” Naomi said. 

During the weekend people will be able to drop in on local creatives, including artist Jane Sinclair and jewellery designer Alice Herald, and learn about their work; there will also be live music at Buskers Square, among other activities.

“Great design not only solves problems, but also creates new opportunities,” said Monique Kelly, co-founder of Revology - one of the businesses involved in Toi.

The Māori word 'toi' often translates as knowledge, skill, excellence, source, origin, or mastery.

“We are inviting the community and our visitors to come and check out the world-class talent we have right here in Wanaka,” Lake Wanaka Tourism marketing executive Nicola King said.

There is an incredible cross-section of artists and designers, from photographers, interior, graphic, jewellery, through to fashion, taking part in the inaugural event, she said. 

Nicola encouraged people to come along and hear their stories, check out their stores, or get involved with one of the many workshops being held.

Information about the programme can be found here.

The Toi collective is made up of representatives from Lake Wanaka Tourism, LINK, 3 Lakes Cultural Trust, Festival of Colour, Ignite Wanaka Chamber of Commerce, and Wanaka design retailers.

PHOTO: Supplied