Invest in Local Creativity

Koha

Donating now or leaving a Bequest in your Will to the Waikato Society of Arts (WSA), a not-for-profit organisation, has many positive impacts, both on the local community and the arts in general. We rely on the generosity of art lovers to continue our services to the community and artists.

Ruth Davey left the WSA a lot of her extensive print works she created over the decades while she was part of the WSA community. These prints are sold to support the Ruth Davey Merit in Print prize of $2000 annually in the NZ Painting and Printmaking Award.

When we sadly lost both Ruth and Lester Davey in 2023 and 2024, they generously left a Bequest to the WSA that helps to go towards our annual operations costs. This kindness is what will keep Ruth’s legacy alive and help towards the future of the WSA.

Support Local Artists

Fostering Creativity: WSA provides a platform for local artists to exhibit their work, gain visibility, and develop their skills. Your donation helps fund exhibitions, workshops, and competitions that nurture the next generation of artists.
Opportunities for Emerging Artists: By donating, you help provide spaces and opportunities for emerging artists to showcase their work, build a following, and establish a career.

Strengthen the Cultural Fabric of the Community

Cultural Enrichment: The arts are essential for creating a vibrant, culturally rich community. WSA offers art education, events, and exhibitions that help engage the public with visual arts, fostering a deeper appreciation for creativity.
Promoting Inclusivity: Art can unite people from different backgrounds, and WSA often hosts events that engage diverse communities, making the arts more accessible to everyone.

Donate in Memory or Honor

Donating in memory or in honor of an artist who was connected with the Waikato Society of Arts (WSA) is a meaningful way to commemorate their contribution to the arts and support the ongoing work of the society.

Inquire About Memorial Donations: Reach out to the Waikato Society of Arts directly to express your intent. Many organisations have procedures for memorial or honorary donations, and they may be able to acknowledge the contribution in a special way.
Tailor the Donation: You can specify that the donation be made in memory of the artist, and the WSA might offer options such as listing the donation in a program, on a plaque, or dedicating an event or piece of work in their honor.

Choose a Specific Cause

Support an Artist Program: If the artist was passionate about a particular medium or had a strong connection to teaching or mentoring others, you could request that the donation be used to support a specific program (e.g., youth art programs, art exhibitions, or workshops) that aligns with their legacy.
Fund a Scholarship or Prize: Some donors opt to create a scholarship or prize in the name of a deceased artist, encouraging the growth of new talent while preserving the memory of the individual.

Coordinate with Family
(If Applicable)

Ensure the Family’s Wishes Are Honored: If the artist has surviving family, it can be considerate to involve them in the decision, ensuring that the tribute is meaningful and appropriate for all parties involved.

Join Us in Nurturing the Arts

The Waikato Society of Arts (WSA) is a vibrant hub for creativity, talent, and cultural expression in the heart of the Waikato region.

For over 90 years, WSA has been dedicated to fostering local artists, offering education, and bringing the community together through the power of visual arts.

By supporting WSA, you are investing in the future of the arts, creating opportunities for both emerging and established artists, and helping to make art accessible to everyone.

We believe that art is essential to a thriving, inclusive, and culturally rich society, and we invite you to be part of this journey.

Here’s How You Can Get Involved

Become a Member: Join a network of artists, art lovers, and patrons who are passionate about making a difference.
Donate: Your contributions, large or small, help fund exhibitions, workshops, classes, and outreach programs that nurture artistic talent and enrich our community.
Volunteer: Offer your time and skills to support our programs, events, and daily operations.
Attend Events: Visit our exhibitions, participate in workshops, or attend special events to experience the joy of art firsthand.

Every contribution, whether time, talent, or financial, makes a lasting impact. Together, we can ensure that the arts continue to flourish in Waikato, creating a legacy of creativity for generations to come.