Art Trail - 8/9 & 15/16 November 2025 -

Hastings Artists Group have completed the necessary application form (which has been accepted), to be part of the 2025 'Art Guide' and Art Trail  8-9 and 15-16 November2025. 

Keirunga have kindly offered their homestead to Hastings Artists Group free of charge.    This is very generous of them and we sincerely thank them.    

There may be a couple of other artists sharing the space and set-up would be our own.

 A meeting of HAG Members 17th  May 2025 agreed to set up the display, control and be present on the four dates provided.  

So 'Get-Cracking' NOW to complete some new masterpieces ready for the event


Kia Ora Creatives,

So pleased to be back saying hello to you all and planning another year. The calendar tells me that apparently it is already April?! Hopefully you all received and read Jade’s update sent in March. I’ve copied the key points at the end of this email for easy reference.

Registrations are now open and close 30 April! Please note that with a shift to one publication registration requires a firm decision on your Trail participation (you can still be part of the publication if you do not open for the Trail).

Your registration is in 2 parts:

FORM TO COMPLETE - https://forms.office.com/r/x257FbCC9F

IMAGES UPLOAD - 2025 HBAT Guide Images

Instructions for images upload:


If providing a new image for the publication please provide your preferred image first - labelled 'PREFERRED GUIDE IMAGE' - followed by additional images we can use throughout the year for marketing purposes/website. These should be images that best represent your work/your studio (if you have one)/previous Art Trails (if applicable).


When you upload you will be prompted to write your name - this will be inserted in front of your existing image label. 

If you are an existing participant and keeping the same image in the publication, you can still upload new images for marketing purposes via this link.

Images should ideally be between 1-3MB, max. 10 images.



Key Updates for 2025:


  • 2025 Art Trail Dates – Mark your calendars! The Trail weekends will be 8–9 and 15–16 November 2025. In addition, this year's exhibition will be hosted by Creative Arts Napier from 5-19 September 2025. Hosting the exhibition closer to Trail weekends helps to build the excitement in the community. This will be organised by the wonderful team at CAN and they will be in touch directly to discuss in due course.
  • New Name & Streamlined Format – We’re simplifying our branding to Hawke's Bay Arts Trail while maintaining the option for artists to be listed in the guide only.
  • One Unified Booklet – In the lead up to the Trail weekends, AIH received feedback from visitors about feeling confused by having separate Trail and Guide booklets. We surveyed visitors and found that 88% of respondents would prefer a single booklet. We’re consolidating the Art Guide and Trail into a single booklet to improve the visitor experience, while still offering guide-only or website listing options for those who prefer it. This means we are starting a little later this year with Sonia back on board as the Arts Trail Coordinator from 1 April.
  • New Branding – Arts Inc. Heretaunga has worked with the amazing Sven & Friends to create a new look across all five of the programmes that we deliver, including Hawke’s Bay Arts Trail. This is to better to tell our story, reflecting the calibre of the work we do and artists we work with to ensure that the community and audiences connect with the incredible art and ideas you create. Over the coming months, you will see this rolled out.



Please let me know if you have any questions – I’m very happy to help.


Ngā mihi,


Sonia Chrystall

Art Trail Coordinator

0274139483

artguide@artsinc.co.nz

www.hawkesbayartguide.co.nz

www.artsinc.co.nz

106 Russell St South

PO Box 519

Hastings 4156


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​​​​​​​

"ARTS INC"

Sonia Chrystall is the coordinator for the

Art Guide and Art Trail - contact 027 413 9483

Or go to - "Arts Inc" 106 Russell Street South, P O Box 519 - Hastings 4156



HOW TO TRAIL – PARTICIPANT GUIDE

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Displaying your work

Provide clear labels with titles and prices, or a price list. 

Make sure your studio is clean and tidy, but real is ok – visitors want an authentic experience. 

Arrange works on the wall, tables, or on easels, think about height – boxes and easels help mix it up and make it interesting.

Visitors like to know your inspiration and stories. You could provide a brief description for some of your pieces. Or a bio on the wall. Anything authentic that adds to the visitor experience and lets them find out a little more about you and your work.

Your studio

Start setting up the week before – allow plenty of time to figure out your layout, prices, and setting up.

Think like a visitor arriving – parking, accessibility, clean and tidy garden, inviting entryway. If weather is ok art outside can look great. 

Think about how to maximise the visit – if you have a garden are they welcome to wander? Is some of your work suitable on a table outside? 

Provide a warm welcome – visitors love meeting creatives and hearing what makes you tick.

Security/risk is artists own responsibility.

Sales  

Cash

Handy if you sell small works/greeting cards. Price so that giving change is easy. Keep cash somewhere safe.

Internet banking

Display your bank account – most visitors will have their phone with them, and can quickly make a payment. A payment receipt can also be messaged to you directly or they can show you a screenshot.

Eftpos

Could be handy if you anticipate a lot of small sales – arrange with your bank.


________________________________________________________________________________Packaging and transporting

Bubble wrap and tissue paper/paper bags for small works like cards and prints – East Coast Packaging good for this. Scissors and cellotape handy. 

Know who you would use if you need to courier out of town. Efficient Movers in Napier is one option, but there are many.

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Other things to consider

Can visitors find your studio easily from the road? 

Where should visitors park? You may need to signpost this area.

Display written information on your wall about you, your inspiration, and process so that people can find out more if you’re busy with other visitors. 

If you have business cards have them available. 

Have a blank pad of paper ready for you or your visitors to write their contact details or query down so you can follow up later. 

If you have an email list personally invite people to visit you on the Trail.

Think about the way visitors will move through your space. Move hazards and make the space interesting.

Ask someone to take photos of you talking to visitors in your studio and take photos of your studio set up. You can use these for promotion next year.

Trail days are wonderful, but can also be tiring…Have some quiet at the end of each day. Is there someone home who can take over while you have a toilet break/bring you food? Have some snacks and water with you. This might sound OTT, but honestly…it’s not!!

Marketing your work effectively

We have a marketing plan to benefit everyone, however each artist also has a great opportunity to add their own marketing to this build up. Some ideas:

  • Social Media - create good quality content that we can easily share including your studio if possible – people love a behind-the-scenes glimpse. Tag us in.
  • Put posters in your local café/shops and chat to the owners (if they’re enthusiastic they’ll likely share the love)
  • If you have an email list personally invite people to your studio
  • Do the same for any work/social groups and invite them to bring a friend.

I’m opening my studio but will be available if you need. Alternatively contact one of the Team at Hastings Arts Centre or Creative Arts Napier.   Compliments Sonia Crystall