Industries

The creative industries arts sector is a key part of the Northland economy and contributes to a vital and innovative regional community. It is estimated that the creative industries contribute between $2.6 and $5.5 million to the regional economy.

Northland is home to a diverse and quality arts sector with more than 1000 professional artists, many arts promoters and retailers and over 120 galleries, including artist studios, private galleries and retail outlets. Northland is developing its own unique arts identity, reflective of the history and cultures that have contributed to the region.

Cultural tourism is an integral part of the experience that Northland offers. An art trail that guides visitors throughout the region along the Twin Coast Discovery Highway has been developed.

Laurie Williams Guitars - custom made and beautifully handcrafted in Northland

A creative industries arts strategy has been developed, by stakeholders from around the region, to identify initiatives to help Northland artists thrive, to address challenges the sector as a whole faces, to lift the aspirations of its artists and to ensure Northland’s artists and creatives are highly valued.

Related Websites

• The Northland Arts Promotion Trust
  The Northland Arts Promotion Trust website includes events calendars, news and venue information
• Art of Northland
  Find Northland artists and view Northland art
  
• Northland Arts Directory 
  The Northland Arts Directory will put you in contact with artists and creatives across the region
  
• Enterprise Northland
  Download Northland’s creative industries strategy, Arts in the regional frame
• Te Ara: The Encyclopedia of New Zealand
  A brief history of the arts in Northland
• New Zealand Trade and Enterprise
  Find out more about the creative industries in New Zealand at the website of New Zealand Trade and Enterprise, the government's national economic development agency.