Finding Hidden Gems
Creativity lives all around us… if we know where to look.
There’s something exciting about being-in-the-know and sharing a place or activity that brings you joy with others – that hidden gem that showcases your connection to your community. Often in Aotearoa, these hidden gems are found in nature, like spots in the ngahere or along the awa or at the beach.
These hidden gems also exist within our creative sector: artist studios, small-town theatres, public art, creative events and unique cultural experiences. These markers of local insider knowledge foster a sense of place and local pride. When you engage with local creativity, not only does it connect you to what’s happening, but also supports local communities by boosting artists’ careers, encouraging participation in creative organisations and celebrating local cultural stories. These vibrant and visible creative activities also enhance social cohesion and contribute to safer communities.
Seize the opportunity to connect with local creative experiences.
Each week, events like theatre productions, concerts, exhibitions, and arts trails provide joyful moments while fostering relationships with local artists and deepening our understanding of their creative processes. You might be surprised by the depth and quality of the creative professionals in our communities – there is so much creativity that lives in Waikato. Choosing to be curious about the creative expression that exists in our neighbourhoods demonstrates that we value the stories of the people in this place and time.
Local creativity shines a light on the unique perspectives gained through our lived experiences. Former All Black and ceramic artist Kees Meeuws explains:
“We have a unique way of seeing the world – I think that stems from the old number 8 wire mentality, and our cultural influence. We’re a long way from anywhere, and we only have a small population at the bottom of the South Pacific. So we need to be extra awesome to stand out. And creativity is essential to that.”
To support Waikato as a vibrant, inviting place to live, we must engage with and invest in local creative experiences that define our community’s identity. As our population grows, we want to ensure our communities have the spaces, groups and opportunities to engage in creativity.
Research from Manatū Taonga reveals that “public art, festivals and events transform public spaces, inject vibrancy and connect disparate community groups.” More locally, a report from Creative Waikato and Huber Social shows that “creating or participating in artistic, cultural and creative events fosters a greater sense of connection to our land.”
This is an active choice we can make as a region.
Local leaders can support creativity by encouraging regular participation. Strengthening social connections and enhancing our regional reputation through arts and culture presents a real opportunity for economic development.
Consider challenging yourself to try one new local artistic experience each season. It can expand and enrich your cognitive capacities. and you get the opportunity to expand that specialist local knowledge of hidden gems.
Participating in the arts also strengthens self-understanding and personal growth. Research from Arts Council UK in 2022 indicates that arts engagement enhances self-confidence and self-acceptance, helping people better understand their character and positive qualities saying:
“Alongside enhancing self-confidence, arts engagement may influence peoples’ overall sense of self by building their self-identity and developing self-acceptance. Through the arts, people may better understand themselves by learning about their own character, motives, and positive qualities, as well as enhancing their sense of self-worth and personal value.”
As we look ahead to the year-end and the possibilities of 2025, consider how you can engage with at least four new creative experiences. Enjoy the benefits of increased creativity in your life.