Sponsor sought for festival
The Kimbolton Sculpture Festival is preparing to celebrate its fifth bi-annual event in April 2025 and is searching for a major sponsor so it can continue its mission of providing a platform for creativity to help mental health.
A testament to creativity and sustainability, the festival attracts sculptors from all over New Zealand who specialise in repurposing used farm materials, turning the ordinary into the extraordinary.
This eco-friendly approach highlighted the importance of recycling and environmental consciousness.
It also showed the ingenuity and skills of national and local artists.
Spokesperson Tony Waugh said at the core of the festival was the belief that being creative was good for mental health and in a supportive rural community people help each other.
“The act of making art can switch focus, even for a short time, away from negativity and stress towards something engaging and explorative.”
In each of the past four festivals, Kimbolton has welcomed more than 4500 visitors, showcasing the talents of 60 sculptors with more than 100 sculptures.
The festivals have featured up to 50 art exhibits and 120 craft stalls. Every event has had an increase in attendance.
This year, the Sculpture Trust was in search of a major sponsor, for the next event and beyond, who shared its values in promoting the creation of sculptures as a medium for enhancing the mental health of the sculptors and for the enjoyment and fascination of the public.
“This support will help us to provide a showcase for artists to exhibit their work encompassing the full range of mediums including sculpture, paint and engineering, and will gain extensive exposure and align with a festival that resonates with eco-consciousness, creativity, and mental wellbeing.
“We would love to hear from anyone interested in partnering with us to discuss how we can grow this big festival in a little village to continue bringing joy, inspiration and community spirit to all who participate.”
For more information people could visit the website ruralart.nz or contact the trust via email at sponsors@ruralart.nz or phone on 027 974 5649.