The Kimbolton Sculpture Festival is preparing to celebrate its fifth bi-annual event in April 2025 and is searching for a major sponsor to help continue its mission of providing a platform for creativity.
Set in the picturesque heart of New Zealand, the Kimbolton Sculpture Festival attracts sculptors from all over the country who specialise in repurposing used materials found on farms.
This eco-friendly approach highlights the importance of recycling and environmental consciousness and displays the ingenuity and skills of national and local artists.
Spokesperson Tony Waugh said at its core, the festival promotes the belief that being creative is good for mental health and that in a supportive rural community people reach out to 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 5000 visitors, showcasing the talents of 60 sculptors with more than 100 sculptures.
The festivals have also featured up to 50 art exhibits and 120 craft stalls.
Every event has seen an increase in attendance and impact over its predecessor.
This growing enthusiasm emphasizes the festival’s importance as a key cultural and tourist draw, significantly enhancing the vitality and economic wellbeing of the region, Waugh said.
This year, the Sculpture Trust is in search of a major sponsor for the next event and beyond who shares its values in promoting the creation of sculptures as a medium for enhancing the mental health of the sculptors and the enjoyment and fascination of the public.
“The festival is more than an artistic endeavour; it is a platform for wellbeing, offering a serene environment where creativity flourishes and the community comes together to appreciate the beauty and therapeutic power of art,” Waugh said.
“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 visit www.ruralart.nz, contact the festival at sponsors@ruralart.nz or call 027 974 5649.
