T
he centre’s long time chairperson, Christine Rose
says “we had many challenges in forging an arts
centre in our community. Our objectives include
‘to encourage a creative community’, so it was a high
task – not just providing a venue for exhibiting fine art,
but fostering culture change at grass roots level, that
transforms our whole area into a creative one”.
The building itself had to be refashioned from a greasy,
grimy, rattling and cold tin shell. “But we also had to
build a new community spirit, an identity, where people
who previously had limited local access to public arts,
could find inspiration, instruction and creative solidarity”
says Mrs Rose. “We really had to start from the bottom
up”.
The efforts of the Centre’s committee and support staff,
have been well vindicated. From day one, the ugly bones
of the building have mattered less than the social glue
that the activities inside provide. Willing to embrace any
opportunity, no matter how bold or quirky, the Kumeu
Arts Centre has hosted memorable live performances at its
‘Arts Carnivals’ and other events, including Caitlin Smith,
the Topp Twins, the late Ewan Gilmour and Mahinarangi
Tocker. These acts have brought top quality Kiwi talent to
a new wider audience. The Topp Twins’ show for example
had men in black jumpers and gumboots dancing in the
aisles. A recent concert from musicians Derek Lind and
Guy Wishart brought tears to the eyes of the audience,
and the Tin Shed humming.
The visiting ‘Real Art Road Show’, an articulated
truck filled with famous New Zealand art works has
brought high end gallery works to the Tin Shed. Laughter
and ‘womanship’ echoes every Tuesday morning, as it
has for the last five years, when the dozens of women
knitters and crocheters gather to craft with textiles, share
surpluses, and life’s journeys in a supportive, welcoming
space. People with special needs find their special
skills and distinctive voices expressed through art, put
proudly on public display. Emerging artists flourish under
the guidance of professional tutors. Children learn a
culture of peace through the Kumeu Children’s Art Club
Kumeu Arts Centre is a one of a kind
community arts facility serving a
rapidly growing district on the North
Western edge of Auckland. These days,
the Arts Centre is a thriving, dynamic,
community heart fashioned from an old
‘Tin Works’ shed.established in 1998, affecting both personal and social
transformation. The Arts Centre also hosts a burgeoning
pottery movement, music lessons, meditation, botanical arts
and more.
The Arts Centre also supports a light and airy exhibition
space and retail gallery which both host locals’ art works,
and generate income for both the Centre and for the artists.
One of the most satisfying things, says Christine Rose, is the
success of new artists – who in the past would never have
assumed the title – in selling their art works. “Creations
made with unassuming love, attain the approval of shoppers
in the community who are more than happy to part with
money for the hand-made masterpieces newly crafted in our
centre”. “That’s the greatest endorsement for anyone who
aspires to be an artist”.
“Kumeu Art Centre is a real ‘facility’ because it ‘facilitates’
the coming together of the community. People who never
contemplated art in their lives, find new strengths and skills,
new forms of expression, new friendships”.From our Abstraction exhibition - combined members work.