In 2015, a group of like-minded individuals started the Gallery and group with a $10,000 gift from the former Art Society after it closed down. We are proud to say that we still have the original $10,000 and a little more.

We have been told by Creative Waikato that start-up galleries typically have a lifespan of just a few months, but we are still thriving thanks to all those who have contributed to running the Gallery as it has grown and changed.

We have worked hard to generate income and have tried various types of promotions. Two events that have been particularly successful are the Ruapehu Art Awards, which attracted over 300 entries from artists around New Zealand in 2023, and the Adventure Highway Art Trail, both established in 2023. The Ruapehu Art Awards is currently a biennial event and will again be held in 2025 (dates to be announced). Our gallery is a non-profit organisation run by a dedicated team that works behind the scenes to make events and exhibitions happen.

For almost 10 years, Twin Rivers Community Art Gallery has been a hub for the visual arts in North Ruapehu. We are a non-profit organization with the goal of providing a platform for local artists to grow, exhibit their work, and nurture developing artists through art classes and workshops. We are known as an incubator gallery.

We are an community incubator gallery
nurturing the Visual Arts in North Ruapehu

Our Sponsors

Twin Rivers Community Art Gallery is located across the road from the Old Train Station in Taumarunui, next to the Butcher at 109a Hakiaha Taumarunui (State Highway 4).

Mt Ruapehu is a 40-minute drive from the Volcanic Plateau in the center of the Ruapehu district and King Country, New Zealand. Our gallery is also just one hour's drive from the Waitomo Caves and an hour and a half from Taupo. We hope to continue fostering visual arts in our region by connecting with artists, similar groups, and galleries across the region. Come and visit us; we'd love to see you. Email riversartgallery@gmail.com.

"As a non-profit group, our gallery is run by a team of dedicated individuals who staff the gallery and frequently work behind the scenes to make events and exhibitions happen. This core group of people has a passion for the visual arts in the community, and like many community groups, it's these people that keep our gallery alive."

We're pleased that we have seen some of our beginner Artists launch their Art Journey's via Twin Rivers Art Gallery selling well at exhibition openings

The Ruapehu Art Awards is our
Flagship event, last year attracting
300 entries from Artists around NZ