Creative Convergence 2025
A RICI Inclusive Arts Initiative
Creative Convergence is RICI’s annual week-long celebration of inclusive arts. Through diverse art forms and experiences, it highlights diversity, inclusion, and accessibility.
The programme brings together local creatives, community groups, and marginalised communities across the Rodney District, taking place in pop-up venues around Warkworth during the first week of December - to align with International Day of Persons with Disabilities (Dec 3).
By showcasing local talent and fostering collaboration, Creative Convergence expands access to the arts and strengthens community connections, creating lasting impact and greater awareness of inclusion.
Event details
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Discription of Events
STREET ART WORKSHOP, 1 Dec, Warkworth Library Community Room
Facilitators: Ursula Christel, Desiree Alexandre, Shelly Gray
Photographers: Myles Ray, Sue Hill
Two 10m x 1m white recycled sheets, sewn together and lightly spraypainted, were used as the substrate for this session. These were unravelled during the workshop so that 40+ participants could cover the entire length in hand-drawn and stencilled artworks, using coloured markers and paint pens. Refreshments were provided.
"EN PLEIN AIR" painting session - 2 Dec, Warkworth Wharf
Facilitator: Ursula Christel
Invitations were sent to Mahurangi Artists Network, Kowhai Art & Craft group, and the general public via Mahurangi Matters What's On page. A group of 10 enthusiasts arrived with their own painting kits. RICI provided a clipboard, watercolour paper, and some spot prizes (Landscape Art Booklets). After a brief intro and some guidelines, artists spread out along the river bank for just over an hour to capture some beautiful painted sketches. These artworks were framed and exhibited at RICI's Art Display, held in the Warkworth Town Hall on Friday 5 Dec.
TOGETHER WE WEAVE, 3 Dec, at Baskets Plus, Warkworth
Facilitators: Ursula Christel, Desiree Alexandre, Josephine Kaggwa
RICI's morning weaving session buzzed with visitors from across the community, including members from AIM, RWL Art Social Group, and Glass Ceiling Arts Collective. Activities included collectively free-weaving the 'Christmas Tree' installation using recycled fabric strips (from Less.Waste), and making woven paper hearts, threaded sticks and ''God's Eye' star weavings, for the additional tree decorations. Refreshments were included.
ON DISPLAY GLOBAL, Dec 3rd - an international performance art piece
ODG is an annual, worldwide initiative that honours the United Nations' International Day of Persons with Disabilities, on December 3rd, through local, community-led sculpture courts. It began in 2015 with two sites, New York, NY and Hobart, Australia - and has since developed into a thriving and growing network of participants. Participating artists with both visible and invisible disabilities, dress up in white and take up static 'statue' poses in an outdoor public setting. These ODG sculpture courts spotlight the individual, where we all get “seen” in powerful, contemplative silence.
POETRY JAM, 4 Dec, Tahi Bar, Warkworth
Facilitator: Greg Judkins (U3A)
Local poets from the U3A Poetry Group and wider creative circles, were invited to be part of our very first Poetry Jam. This free event was held at the Tahi Bar backroom. A mic and bar snacks were provided. Folk were encouraged to read (or sing) their own original poems, or read favourite poems by other poets, or simply listen and enjoy the event. RICI intends to collate and publish an online booklet of original local poems, to mark this creative occasion.
ART DISPLAY, 5 Dec, Warkworth Town Hall
Curator: Sue Hill
The artworks on display in the foyer and in the hall, ranged from the exquisite landscape paintings made during Tuesday’s “En Plein Air” session, to inspiring 3D works by Mahurangi College students and RWL’s Art Social group - every piece told a unique story. The hall also came alive with the bold installations we had collectively created at PHAB's Warkworth club, Monday’s “Street Art” session, and the collaborative 'Christmas Tree' weaving from Wednesday’s workshop.
FINALE CONCERT, 5 Dec, Warkworth Town Hall
Director & Stage Manager: Charlotte Owens-Pring (GCAC)
The concert showcased an amazing mix of talented local performers, band members (Swarm), and dancers, filling the room with energy, joy, and connection. Thank you to the Glass Ceiling Arts Collective for delivering such an entertaining and uplifting performance. Refreshments for all were provided to celebrate the end of an incredible art-filled week!!
This fabulous inclusive arts festival is thanks to funding by Rodney Local Board via Making Art Work: Creative Rodney, and Creative New Zealand. Creative Convergence 2025 reminded us what’s possible when everyone creates together.
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