KAREN GOODGER

ART MOVES: Nelson artist Lori Davis is planning a new gallery opening in September as part of Rugby World Cup celebrations in Nelson.

A national business club designed to leverage off the Rugby World Cup has a strong local following with 438 Nelson Marlborough members, organisers say.

One of those members, Nelson artist Lori Davis, said she signed up to the NZ 2011 Business Club so she could become a part of the Real New Zealand Festival, which promotes events and experiences throughout the country during the cup, including the launch of Ms Davis’ new gallery in Upper Trafalgar St.

“I certainly wanted to be a part of offering something that was a bit more localised to any visitors in town.”

Ms Davis already has a gallery in Nile St and said she intends to keep this operating as well. Her new space, which will also feature Nellie Hill Jewellery by Sue O’Shea, is situated behind Nelson Escapes “near the fan zone”. Ms Davis is unsure how long she’ll keep the new gallery running. “We’ll see how it goes.”

She’s also unsure how much business the Rugby World Cup will actually bring but believes it’s a good idea to get behind the campaign.

If Nelson can generate the feeling of “something going on” then that will create an atmosphere that’s likely to draw visitors back, she said.

The NZ 2011 Club is designed to link international business visitors with New Zealanders of similar business interests. New Zealand businesses are invited to sign up online and submit events they’d like to host and invitations are distributed to international members who might be interested in attending.

The club so far has about 2000 international members, about 3000 domestic members and about 250 events listed. The 438 Nelson Marlborough members have listed 20 events so far.

Organisations such as the Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce and the Wakatu Incorporation have also joined the initiative.

– The Nelson Mail