What's On in the Arts in Central Otago - October.
A Muster of Creatives: Celebrating Central Otago’s
Artistic Energy Earlier in the year, CODAT invited Nicola Bennett to lead a series of workshops that developed into much more than technical sessions. They became a space for professional growth, exchange of ideas, and the start of new collaborations. Nicola, who has made Central Otago her home, is recognised for her vibrant paintings that explore the language of food and
flavour. With her teaching background, she brought practical advice on sustaining a creative career — from marketing and self-promotion to valuing one’s work and stepping forward with confidence. Just as importantly, she created an environment where participants could connect, share ideas, and support one another. The workshops drew a wide range of people, from established artists to those at the start of their journey, as well as entrepreneurs working in other creative fields. Graphic designer Isabel Beardmore is developing ways to turn family histories into visual heirlooms, weaving together photographs, documents, recipes, and letters. Fashion designer Elaine Booth creates garments and homewares from ethically sourced natural fibres, continuing her family’s tradition of sustainability. She used the workshops to explore fresh directions for her practice. For Isabel, Elaine, and many others, the workshops offered useful tools, constructive feedback, and the confidence to take their work further. The momentum carried forward into A Muster of Creatives, an exhibition developed by CODAT to showcase the work of 20 participants. Spanning painting, photography, ceramics, mosaics, writing, floristry, and fashion, the exhibition reflects both the individuality of each artist and
the strength of Central Otago’s creative community. For some, it was their first opportunity to exhibit publicly; for others, a chance to test new ideas. A Muster of Creatives is more than an exhibition — it shows how creativity contributes to identity, pride, and connection in everyday life. With Nicola’s guidance and CODAT’s support, the project demonstrates the value of investing in local artists and the
networks that sustain them. Our final workshop for the year with Nicola Bennett is already fully booked with a waiting list. The strong demand has prompted CODAT to plan for another series of workshops in 2026, building on the success of this year’s programme. As we plan ahead, we would love to hear from the community about what skills you would like to develop or focus
on in your creative practice next year. This could be tuition with specific artists, more practical workshops, or professional development opportunities. Please share your ideas with us by emailing Rebekah at [email protected].
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