Written for the Feilding First Newspaper by Eris Newson

Did you know…
…that our small rural town is home to the region’s longest-running art event - and one of New Zealand’s first regional art shows? Founded by the Feilding Art Centre and held each year at the Palmerston North Conference & Function Centre on the final weekend of the July school holidays -

The Manawatū Art EXPO. Yes, it’s ours.

Not run out of Auckland. Not an overseas organisation taking a cut. This is ours - built by locals, for locals. The money goes to the artists, and the income goes straight back into the Feilding Art Centre and into our community.

And it’s something to be proud of.

This is a significant event - nearly 100 artists from across the North Island, more than 1,000 artworks, all under one roof. But what makes it truly special isn’t just the art - it’s the people. The artists themselves are there, running their own bays, sharing their stories, their processes, their inspiration. You can talk with them, watch them work, even pick up a few tips. It’s real, it’s personal, and it’s uniquely ours.

This year, we’re proud to host Hamish Macaulay, an award-winning, internationally recognised printmaker from the Kapiti Coast, who will be giving regular demonstrations. It’s something you won’t want to miss.

But behind all of this - behind the walls of art and the buzz of the event - is something even more important.

Volunteers.

For nearly 20 years, local artists and community members have given their time to make this happen. What started as a fundraiser for the Feilding and District Art Society continues to support everything the Art Centre offers today - Have-a-Go groups, children’s classes, workshops - spaces where creativity and connection grow.

A core team of just seven volunteers work year-round to bring the EXPO together - planning, organising, finding sponsors, and quietly holding it all together. Then, during the event, around 20 more volunteers step in. Last year, they gave 344 hours over five days.

That’s what this event is built on: commitment, generosity, and community spirit.

So this is our call…  To keep it going - and to keep it strong – to spread the load. We would love a few more volunteers.

If you’ve ever thought about getting involved, this is your moment. Join our passionate, welcoming team and experience the EXPO, art, and the energy - from the inside. You know you want too.