For Immediate Release
19 November, 2013
CreationFest organisers reveal show categories
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From left to right: Darlene Mohekey (Show Director), Jo Romanes (CreationFest Event Co-ordinator), Terry Wheeler
(Rotorua Creative Arts Trust) and Sera Devcich (Show Co-Director/Choreographer).
Rotorua’s revitalised arts show, CreationFest, will feature five new wearable section categories in 2014, all with an
emphasis on dynamic innovation. The categories were announced at a workshop held this week.
CreationFest replaces the former annual Wearable Creationz showcase and will be held across five shows at Blue Baths
next year – a full dress rehearsal and matinee for primary and intermediate children on July 15, a second matinee for
children and the elderly on July 16, followed by three evening performances with the gala finale on Saturday July 19.
“Those who attended the workshop were very keen and supportive and provided us with some great feedback which will help
ensure the show’s success,” says CreationFest event co-ordinator, Blue Baths managing director Jo Romanes.
“We’re excited about bringing wearable arts back to Rotorua after a year’s hiatus – it’s going to be a fantastic
community event with some new energy and thinking, building on the Wearable Creationz legacy.
“The event has made a significant contribution to our community, in particular our schools and it was sadly missed this
year. We have been talking to the trust for the past six months about how it could be continued with perhaps a new form
and structure – downsizing to a smaller venue but upscaling the show in other ways,” says Mrs Romanes.
“We have set about to create an innovative, dynamic and highly entertaining show which will have room to evolve and
develop over time.”
She said the new event would be true to the trust’s aim to foster art, talent and youth in the community, mirroring the
Blue Baths Emerge entertainment programme, launched two years ago to provide a platform for young performing artists.
The Rotorua Creative Arts Trust is hugely supportive of the CreationFest concept.
“The Blue Baths team are doing a great job – we’re happy to be on this new and exciting journey with them,” says Rotorua
Creative Arts Trust member Terry Wheeler.
“The trust was thrilled to see Jo and her team step up to the challenge and ensure this great event will continue to be
a part of Rotorua. As trustees, we’re enjoying still being a part of the process and seeing these great new plans come
together and evolve for the benefit of the community.”
CreationFest 2014 will also incorporate live performance and film sections, with young locals having the opportunity to
be part of the live performance for the shows. They will be selected through auditions.
An event website is expected to be launched before Christmas and an education and support programme will be offered to
help entrants, along with a mentor programme for youth interested in internships in technical services, photography or
make-up.
Choreographer and designer Sera Devcich, and actor and performer Darlene Mohekey, who is the Blue Baths Emerge creative
and musical director, will be co-directors of CreationFest.
Entries are expected to open early in 2014.
CreationFest 2014 categories –
Metal Mania: Create a garment using all things metal – Steelo pads, aluminium cans, recycled machinery, tinfoil, wire; if it’s a
metal fibre you can use it but think outside of the toolbox.
Home and Heritage: Create a garment that tells the story of your family tree – think culture fusion, buildings, monuments, music, cultural
dress, history, works of art, anything that’s an important part of your heritage.
Sweet Dreams and Beautiful Nightmares: Take the things dreams are made of – light and lovely or scary and hairy, bring us frights and fantasies that are out
of this world.
Natural New Zealand: Use naturally occurring mediums, anything from shells and straw to feathers and ferns, anything created by Mother Earth
and look into the techniques of yesteryear – go environmental.
Moving Parts: Create an interactive garment with moving parts, engineering or lights, test your innovation, use technology and
mechanics to bring it to life.
ENDS