Franklin Arts Festival is an annual celebration of visual arts held in Pukekohe, showcasing the work of artists from not only the Franklin District, but all over New Zealand

The Franklin Arts Festival Society was formed in 1989 as a non-profit organization. The Society’s purpose was twofold: To celebrate and promote the artwork of established and emerging (especially young) artists in the Franklin area; and secondly, to create and sustain an annual exhibition of quality local artwork for viewing and for sale.

Last year, the Festival exhibited more than 800 items, in the categories of paintings, works on paper, textile arts, pottery, photography, woodturning, small sculptures, and school art.

The Arts Festival draws entries primarily from what was once the Franklin District of South Auckland.  But now it also receives numerous entries from artists around the Auckland Super City, the Coromandel, Northland, and occasionally from the South Island.

The Franklin Arts Festival is truly a community event.  The all-volunteer committee plus about 60-70 extra volunteers work to keep the 10-day festival going.  Sponsorship and prizes predominantly come from local businesses or individuals.  Musical entertainment is provided on weekends by local musicians.

You can go and visit the Festival from Saturday 29th August through to Sunday 6th September (2pm close on the 6th).  It is a true celebration of our diverse and vibrant creative communities. It’s also an opportunity to purchase an original piece of art. All works exhibited in the festival are for sale. While you are there go and have a chat to Esmeralda .