World Art Games

New Zealand artist Sharlene Schmidt has had an exciting time since her visit to Italy for Legato in 2010. Last year, 2011, saw her participating in cultural (art) exchanges in India, Abania and finally Croatia. She is recently back from a conference for the World Art Games, a new initiative which will see the inaugural art games held in Croatia in the European summer of 2013.

The initiator and organiser of this project is interviewed here (click for link)

This article from scoop.co.nz talks a little about New Zealand's involvement in the new and exciting project.

New Zealand Artists to attend World Art Games

November saw prominent New Zealand artist and President of the New Zealand Committee of the World Art Games attend the first International Conference of the World Art Games (WAG) in Zagreb, Croatia. Sharlene was one of 22 representatives from around the globe who came together for the Conference which was live streamed to an additional 47 countries. Sharlene’s presence at the conference confirmed NZ’s place in history as one of the founding countries of this global phenomenon which is rapidly gaining momentum throughout the world.

The Games are seen as a universal bonding tool to develop relationships regardless of political views, race, sexuality and religious views. The declaration signed by the 25 founding countries bonds all nations to the same mission of tolerance, peace and participation found in the organisation and hosting of the games. It is envisioned that the Games will be hosted by a different country every two years.


The inaugural WAG will be held in Croatia in 2013 between June 29th and July 10th. It is expected upwards of 60 countries will take part in this festival of international art culture. The International Games committee propose to hold a number of events within a two week period spread across three cities. There will be an international exhibition for painters and sculptors, a week of theatre, dance and musical performances.