Otago Artists Reveal Themselves To The Public

Otago Arts guide: art roads of Otago
Published by the Otago Arts Trust, 256 pages, full colour throughout, $19.95

February 2002 marks the launch of the first Otago Arts Guide: art roads of Otago. This stunning full-colour book places Otago's vibrant arts community on the map - literally. Seventeen trails lead the visitor through the beautiful Otago landscape to artists at work - to view work in the studio and at galleries and other outlets throughout the region.

Nationally and internationally recognised artists, such as printmaker Marilyn Webb, painters Kathryn Madill and Neil Driver, jeweller Barry Clarke and weaver Lindy Chinnery are featured, along with emerging artisans and well known regional artists. The guide reveals the great range of work being created throughout Otago-there are sculptors, photographers, jewellers, painters, printmakers, weavers, potters, blacksmith and bookbinders.

Art is the focus, and artists the stars. But the art roads of Otago are also lined with great cafes, wonderful wineries, comfortable beds, and fascinating museums-many of the best are included in the guide.

An essential book for cultural explorers who wish to see the magnificent Otago region through the eyes of its creative community, the Otago Arts Guide will be widely available through bookshops and visitor & tourism centres, or can be ordered directly from the Otago Arts Trust, PO Box 5113, Dunedin.

This regional project has built partnerships across five districts. The Otago Arts Guide has the support of the Regional Mayors Group, Central Otago District Council, Clutha District Council, Dunedin City Council, Tourism Dunedin, and the Aspiring Arts & Culture Trust for the Queenstown Lakes District Council. Major funding partners are Creative New Zealand through the Regional Strengths Strategy, the Community Employment Group and the Community Trust of Otago.

To reflect the partnerships developed across the Otago region in there will be book launches held in six centres throughout Otago; Oamaru, Alexandra, Balclutha, Dunedin, Queenstown & Wanaka

A not-for-profit publication, the guide will be updated every third year, and complimented by a website. It has dual cultural tourism and economic development goals-by raising the profile of the artists involved, it aims to create economic growth and opportunities for the arts community.

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