Opotiki History
The church with the mighty spire, centre background of the picture, was conspicuosly grand in the early maori and pakeha settlement. Then the Salvation Army Hall across town was aquired by the Opotiki Art Society. The society was founded in 1961, became an incorporated society in 1977 and later a charitable trust. 
Objectives
Under the banner of Opotiki Arts, the society's objective is to promote an interest in and appreciation of all aspects of the arts - painting, print-making, fibre, textiles, jewellery, ceramics, photography, sculpture; and all activities of a nature associated with the arts within the community of Opotiki and its surrounding districts of the Eastern Bay of Plenty.

Opotiki Arts Hall was built in 1898 for the Salvation Army as Barracks, deemed now as a Heritage Building.
With the generosity of grants and help from the community, the building has been restored to its present condition.