ARTbop is the multi-media, free online platform for all the creativity of the Bay of Plenty.
ARTbop shares upcoming events, exhibitions and performances around the Bay and neighbouring areas; has profile interviews; original poetry, and book reviews.
ARTbop features environmental and political art initiatives, and comments on creative sector development issues.
ARTbop alternative focuses on the non-mainstream creativity of the Bay. ARTmart is our creative sales and directory service. We publish text, image and video.
There are two facebook pages; Twitter, YouTube and Instagram. We have a subscribers’ email and paper-based promotional material in libraries, cafes and offices.
If you’re interested in contributing, advertising or you would like to profile your portfolio on our artists gallery, or have an event that you think should be reviewed, please contact us at info@artbop.co.nz
Rosemary Balu. Rosemary Balu is the founding and current Managing Editor of ARTbop. Rosemary has arts and law degrees from the University of Auckland. She has been a working lawyer and has participated in a wide variety of community activities where information gathering, submission writing, community advocacy and education have been involved. Interested in all forms of the arts since childhood
Nick Scott Nick Scott has a B.A from The University of Waikato where he studied film under Sam Edwards. Nick has retained a keen interest in cinema. He studied Te Reo Maori at Te Wananga O Aotearoa part-time for 3 years and then from 2014 to 2016 Nick collaborated in writing “The Traveller’s guide to Maori Place Names”. Nick is a regular Film Reviewer on ARTbop.
Marcus Hobson has been ARTbop Contributions Editor, a regular book reviewer and article contributor. He is an aspiring author of both novels and reviews and is currently a creative writing student at the University of Waikato. Marcus has in the past done such varied things as study ancient and medieval history, worked as an archaeologist, as an economist in central and southern Africa, and as truck driver in a quarry. He is a lover of art, the written word and a full-time fanatical book collector, with over 3,000 volumes on his shelves.
Dhaivat Mehta Dhaivat Mehta is a spoken word poet and creative talent who supported the development of ARTbop alternative. Dhaivat had a fundamental role in participating and producing much of ARTbop’s online content and videos. A participant in local arts festivals and a with local musician Kingsley Smith in the performance duo Tryptofunk, Dhaivat has made a significant contribution to all aspects of ARTbop.
John Baxter John Baxter, musician, artist, poet, photographer and craftsman creative, has made a wide ranging contribution to ARTbop. You can find John’s work in interviews and in The ARTbop SHOW
Ashley Grant, B(Arch) Artist, Sculptor, Writer
Primarily now known for his work as a sculptor and artist, Architect Ashley Grant is also a writer and communicator. Ashley has recently joined ARTbop as a contributor. He writes thoughtful pieces from the perspective of an architect, designer and artist.
Ashley’s sculpture and creative work can be viewed at the Lightwave Gallery, 31 Totara Street, Mount Maunganui.
Diane Hume-Green’s life in Tauranga has been enriched by music, colour and creativity.
Her family involvement in the Tauranga Jazz Festival, sewing and textile retail and her business with her husband who is an architectural designer have all contributed to her love of the arts.
Diane writes Scene about Town, galleries, events and goings on about the town. And that town is not always Tauranga. She also spends her spare time volunteering to plan TEDx Tauranga 2014.
The Te Puna Correspondent aka the TPC A multi-talented member of the Tauranga community.
She has a professional background, a legally trained mind, a perceptive artistic eye and a sharp wit. Despite her numerous artistic and cultural pursuits the Te Puna Correspondent finds time to write regular articles and reviews for ARTbop.