The Arrowtown Arts Festival is helping put the region on the map as a creative destination, organisers say.
The four-day programme starts today and organiser Julie Hughes believes the wealth of workshops is attracting people from across the country.
Tickets are selling well and include bookings from Auckland and Invercargill.
Also on offer are a photography trip into Skippers Canyon, classical drawing sessions, sculpture techniques, fabric decoupage and activities for children.
''The Wakatipu is starting to be known as an art destination. People can come and learn and purchase wonderful art pieces. The range of artists we have got here is excellent.''
The new Speakers Series was a must-see, she said, and reminded locals tickets were available at the door.
Otago Daily Times columnist and published author John Lapsley is on the bill with fellow writer Lisa Scott, painter Grahame Sydney, poet Brian Turner and ODT cartoonist Garrick Tremain.
It was a case of artist interviewing artist and Mr Lapsley thought the night would reveal some interesting stories.
''We have all made some dreadful mistakes in life and we all have a colourful background. I think we will be merciless against each other.''
A community concert on Saturday includes a cappella music from Invercargill-based Foveaux Harmony Chorus and a parade by Arrowtown Primary School pupils showcasing their mask creations.
To end the festival, artists will host a market on Buckingham Green and Athenaeum Hall on Sunday.
The Arrowtown Arts Festival runs from today until Sunday.
