Media Release

8 September 2011

Selwyn Arts Trust to be launched at forum

The new Selwyn Arts Trust formed to represent the arts in Selwyn District will be launched at a forum later this month.

A Selwyn Arts Forum will bring together the diverse arts community for discussion, networking and to hear from some of Canterbury's leading lights in the arts world on Sunday, September 25, from 9.45am to 4pm at the Lincoln Event Centre.

Selwyn Arts Trust inaugural Chair Michael McEvedy says the trust was started as a result of an earlier forum hosted by the Council about two years ago.

"The arts in Selwyn District have been quietly going about their business for years and have developed into a vibrant part of the Selwyn community.

"When the Selwyn District Council hosted the get-together of individuals and groups with an interest in the arts, we received strong feedback that forums bringing artists together were of immense value," Mr McEvedy says.

As a result, the Selwyn Arts Trust was formed, to provide a mechanism to represent the views of the community regarding the arts. Trustee Margot Button will lead a session at September's forum to find out what the arts community expects from the trust, along with talking about future plans and opportunities.

"We haven't planned too much about what our role will be because we wanted to ask the community about their expectations of the trust and what they want us to do," Mr McEvedy says.

Speakers at the forum include Christchurch Arts Festival Director Philip Tremewan, who will talk about appreciating and encouraging the arts in our community; and Portobello Antiques owner Derek Blackler speaking about his experience in the antique business with tips on collecting.

Others will provide information about sourcing financial grants and tips for applying for them.

"Arts groups, venues and businesses can display information about themselves at the forum as participants in or supporters of the arts in Selwyn," Mr McEvedy says. "We'd love people with an interest in the arts to come along to this forum - all are welcome."

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