Arts Whakatāne is inviting members of the Eastern Bay community to attend its Annual General Meeting (AGM).

The meeting will be held at Acacia House on Wednesday, June 25, at 5.30pm and will serve as a platform for supporters and practitioners to share a vision for the flourishing of community arts into the future.

The AGM will feature guest speakers James McCarthy, an experienced community arts manager, and Alexandra Pickles, general manager of community experience at Whakatāne District Council.

Mr McCarthy will present ideas on improving access and opportunities for local artists, while Ms Pickles will provide an update on the district’s long-term Arts, Culture and Creativity Plan.

Arts Whakatāne, a key supporter of community arts across the Eastern Bay, is hoping to attract new committee members, event volunteers and sponsors.

The arts group hopes to offer its well-known events such as Art in the Park, Art and Garden Trail, Jazz in the Park, Dance Carnival, Molly Morpeth Canaday Art Award and others in the 2025-26 season, but this will depend on funding and the number of volunteers available.