A new online platform for arts, culture, creativity and community has had an “outstanding” community response in its first couple of months.

Te Wahi Toi combines a creative directory where artists, musicians, galleries and more can be found; a ‘what’s on’ section to share creative events happening around the district; and ‘find a space’ section to promote venues, studios and workshops.

Three Lakes Cultural Trust (TLCT) chief operating officer Samantha Kirk said it can work as both a digital meeting place for people in creative industries and a way for the wider community to access creative services “from commissioning a piece of art, through to finding a creative group to join”. 

“We often hear ‘I didn't know that was happening’, so the What's On section of Te Wāhi Toi has been created to ensure events can be easily found,” she said. 

The platform is also free for all users.

TLCT was established in 2019 to strengthen arts and culture in the community and Te Wahi Toi is one of a range of initiatives - from arts in schools programmes to an exhibition featuring local artists -  it has launched since.

See also: Cultural trust celebrates milestones

The idea for Te Wahi Toi sprung from the trust’s Cultural Masterplan, commissioned in 2020, which identified a need for a "coordinated and well-maintained information and marketing tool for its artistic community,” Samantha said.

Feedback from both people making listings and visitors to the site have been great, Samantha said.

“A lot of people have been questioning why this hasn't existed long before now.”

Check out Te Wahi Toi here.

PHOTO: Supplied