Whakatāne has a very active arts and culture scene. This forms an important part of the identity and community strength of the district.
Theatre Whakatāne welcomes involvement from anyone who is interested. This organisation is respected for producing quality musicals and plays, throughout the year.
Edgecumbe Choir is based in Whakatāne and has about 60 performing members. The group encourages the enjoyment and performance of a wide range of choral music from past and present. The choir gives at least two public performances each year. Practices are held Thursday evenings.
Arts Whakatāne is made up of representatives from major arts groups and other interested people. Members organise the Whakatāne Summer Arts Festival, held late-January to late-March each year.
Major events include the Molly Morpeth Canaday Art Award for Painting and Drawing, a sculpture symposium and Jazz and Shakespeare in the Park events. Visiting performers include national groups such as the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra.
Whakatāne Library and Exhibition Centre runs a programme of exhibitions featuring works by local, national and international artists, plus a permanent display of Māori and European heritage objects of local and national significance.
