Tauranga organisers of a local arts exhibition fundraiser to support the Hawke's Bay arts community are stunned with the response from all over the North Island.

'The number of artists donating is staggering, well exceeding our expectations,” says The Incubator Director Simone Anderson.

'Not only from the Bay of Plenty but further afield including Rotorua, Hamilton, Auckland and even artist victims of the flood themselves from Hawke's Bay offering works to sell to collectively support others.

'The generosity is heart-warming and highlights the amazing spirit of the arts community in Aotearoa- New Zealand.”

Hawke's Bay artist John Gisborne lost his home, studio and livelihood as the floods and silt caused huge devastation through the Taradale Pottery Cub and Waiohiki Arts Centre. He has been selflessly and tirelessly leading the clean-up work at Waiohiki Arts Village and Taradale Pottery Club and helping others. Photo: Supplied.

The exhibition which opens at the People's Gallery Toi ka rere on Friday March 17 will run until April 10.

Funds from artist sales will be distributed to grassroots arts communities and artists in Hawke's Bay to help with replenishing their supplies and equipment and to help get them back on their feet to continue their creative mahi, says Simone.

'One week after invitations to donate were opened, the number of artists was 65 and counting.” Submissions include both emerging, mid-career and renowned NZ artists.

'The Incubator Creative Hub have a great admiration for their artist friends in the Hawkes Bay,” says Simone.

She says Hastings was the destination for their 2022 annual team field trip to explore other New Zealand Arts Hubs. They met with many art advocates, arts and festival managers, and creatives from the numerous community-driven arts hubs.

'We were warmly welcomed, shown great hospitality and returned fizzing with newfound respect of the Hawkes Bay,” says Simone.

'We were totally inspired by their development of grassroots arts and impressed by the progressive impact they were making towards the vibrant transformation of their region.”

All money raised from the exhibition will be given directly to Hawke's Bay Arts Collectives and the artists affected by the cyclone. Photo: Supplied.

Simone says seeing the photos of the devastation of some of the places in the Hawke's Bay following Cyclone Gabrielle was heart-breaking, so the team wanted to do anything to take a load off and show proactive support.

'We saw the opportunity of an exhibition to express our support through art and give artists a platform to make a positive contribution,” says Simone.

'In the aftermath of this crisis, an art exhibition may be far from the minds of the affected creatives and artists of Hawke's Bay, many on the ground cleaning up, but also coming to terms with scale of loss of their stock, art materials, equipment and the damage caused to infrastructure of the arts hubs and studio spaces.”

All money raised from the exhibition will be given directly to Hawke's Bay Arts Collectives and the artists affected by the cyclone. Photo: Supplied.

Other arts groups have got behind this kaupapa as well, including a group in Rotorua called the Pleasure Painters Rotorua. They meet once a week to paint and draw together.

'Our whole group has been shocked by the devastation in the Hawkes Bay. Any way we can help we will,” says Pleasure Painters Rotorua group member Dot Anson. 'For me personally, I have relations in Wairoa and Hastings and have heard first hand some of the problems that the area is facing.

'I came across this fundraiser and thought it would be a great opportunity to do something to ease the burden people are facing.”

All money raised from the exhibition will be given directly to Hawke's Bay Arts Collectives and the artists affected by the cyclone. Photo: Supplied.

Judging from the calibre and diversity of contributing artists, who include sculptors, ceramicists and painters, this exhibition will be one of a kind and an opportunity for art lovers to come along and purchase works and contribute to the fundraising that will give some relief to those facing a long road ahead to recovering their arts practices.

Artists can be viewed on the Incubator Fundraiser webpage. https://www.theincubator.co.nz/hawkes-bay-fundraiser-exhibition

The exhibition launches on Friday March 17 at 5.30pm in the People's Gallery Toi ka rere. – Historic Village and will be open to the public until April 10. For more information click here or go to www.theincubator.co.nz/hawkes-bay-fundraiser-exhibition

All money raised from the exhibition will be given directly to Hawke's Bay Arts Collectives and the artists affected by the cyclone. Photo: Supplied.

Flooding at the Hawke's Bay Arts Collective. Photo: Supplied.