Rose Centre launches new ‘art space’

The Rose Centre in Belmont is moving into the fine-arts world, creating a new space for local artists to display their works.

It opened the art space last week with the aim of becoming known as a multi-purpose community space. It already operates as a community centre, theatre and preschool facility.

Operations manager Geoff Allen told the Flagstaff the art space was “adding another string to our bow”.

The space would “support what local artists are already doing”, he said.

The centre didn’t want to compete with the Depot Artspace or Lake House Arts, but intends to complement them.

He said artists have autonomy on how they want to present their works, if they want to sell them and any other aspects they want to incorporate in their display.

The space will be free to hire. Displays will be up for two to four weeks.

The first artist featured is Belmont resident Lily Kaukau, who is exhibiting a series of digital prints created over the last three years.

She uses a contemporary Māori art style to depict themes such as finding your identity in a modern world and identity within mixed cultures.

Kaukau was first introduced to the opportunity of displaying her art at the Rose Centre’s Aroha Festival in April, where she had a stall showcasing her works for sale.

After being approached to be the first artist to feature at the space, Kaukau gladly accepted and is looking forward to seeing how the space is used in the future.

“I think it’s awesome. It’ll be cool to see who’s next.”

Kaukau works at the Depot Artspace during the day, and in her free time sells her designs and art through an online shop.

For more information or to book the exhibition space, contact hello@rosecentre.co.nz.