Creative Giants Among Us

A new website, Creative Giants of Palmerston North, has been developed to promote artists who live in, come from or who have made their home in Palmerston North. The website features musicians, fine artists, writers and performance artists.

"It aims to promote those artists who are known on the world stage, whose name is a household word, or whose talent and impact reaches far beyond the city limits," cultural co-ordinator Axel de Maupeou said.  "The City acts as a central hub for a growing population and has a wide range of artistic talent."

"Previously there has not been a repository for artist's biographies or links to their accomplishments," Axel said. "The new website will be aimed at letting residents and the world know that while the Manawatū is renowned for its educational and agricultural successes, Palmerston North also produces some of New Zealand's notable artists. The website is a work in progress that will be updated with new artist profiles; it will be a living, growing representation of our artistic heritage and community."

"I hope that the website will inspire young people by showing them that their City has a history of great artists," he said.

The website address is www.creativegiants.co.nz

The website launch will take place:

When: Thursday 25 October 2012

Time: 5.30pm to 7.00pm

Where: Art Gallery at Te Manawa Museum of Art, Science and History

Please note: In addition to the official launch, Billy TK will entertain the crowd along with singer, actor and playwright Vanessa Stacey who is the current Massey University artist-in-residence.

Guests will also be able to view the exhibit WHAKAWHITI ĀRIA: TRANSMISSION which features three artists from the Creative Giants website: Israel Birch, Shane Cotton and Robert Jahnke.