This year at Artists Open Studios, we are inviting young people and their families to join in the creative fun with ArtPlay. We have a list of free events and activities over the two weeks where young people can be creative and active, including:

Creation Station

An outdoor space for families to come and relax and get creative. Space, materials, and inspiration provided – BYO creativity. Think box forts!

Date: Saturday 16 & Saturday 23 March, 10am  – 2pm

Venue: Ridgway Street park

Rutland Street Block Party

Come play in the street! We’ve blocked off the road and we’re gonna have fun with it. Lots of activities for kids of all ages. We’ll be celebrating the flying of the banners that tamariki have made (see Rutland Street Banners event).

Date: Saturday 16 March , 9am – 2pm

Venue: Rutland Street

Butterfly Alley

Have you found the butterflies hiding in studios around the city? Bring them to the alleyway so they can fly with their friends. Anyone is welcome to add to the kaleidoscope (term for a group of butterflies!)

Date:  15-24 March, any time

Venue: In the alleyway connecting Victoria Ave to Drews Ave (next to the Embassy Cinema)

I Spy Art

Can you spy all the clues hidden in artworks across the town? Pickup a trail map from the Whanganui i-Site or the Whanganui Arts Centre (19 Taupo Quay)

Date: 15-24 March, any time

Venue: Town centre

The Great Whanganui Play Trail

This is your guide to playing in our city centre. Follow the map, take your time, skip some spots, find new ones, make up new games along the way…

Pickup a trail map from the Whanganui i-Site or the Whanganui Arts Centre (19 Taupo Quay) or download a printable version here.

Date: 15-24 March, any time

Venue: Town centre

Rutland Street banners – Rutland St (down the end near Drews Ave)

View the banners hanging across Rutland Street created by local tamariki with The Sarjeant Gallery Te Whare o Rehua Whanganui and Whanganui Regional Museum.

Date: 15-24 March, any time

Venue: Rutland Street