Arts Council
Nelson

At Arts Council Nelson, our mission is to promote, initiate and support projects ​and activities that stimulate and strengthen the​ artistic and cultural life of our communities.

About us

YOUR LOCAL ART CONNECTOR

We work with individuals and organisations across our region to facilitate all kinds of creative opportunities.

Find out more

What’s on at Refinery ArtSpace


REFINERY ARTSPACE

Raw 2025

RAW is a dynamic showcase of works:

- created by people who have no formal or traditional art training
 
- that express individuality and inventiveness 

- that are ‘RAW’ – uncooked by cultural and artistic influences

16th December 2025 - 24th January 2026


REFINERY ARTSPACE

Arca Arcade
Round One


Arca Arcade is a convergence of nostalgic technology and contemporary artistic sensibilities.

Under the meticulous direction of designer Preston Khan McNeil, playable arcade machines take on a transformative role as wall mounted installations that are adorned with te ao Māori influences and styles of Aotearoa New Zealand’s eminent artists.

By collaborating with talents Gina Kiel, Flox, Otis Frizzell, Joe Sheehan, and Otis Chamberlain, Arca Arcade “Round One” emits a distinctive flavour that is uniquely Aotearoa New Zealand.

17th November - 13th December


SEE MORE

Refinery ArtSpace

Refinery ArtSpace is committed to stimulating and strengthening the artistic and cultural life of Whakatu, supporting a diverse programme of engaging community-driven and/or contemporary exhibitions, projects and events.

Comprising three adaptable gallery spaces and two large workshop facilities, Refinery ArtSpace is also the home to the Arts Council Nelson Team.

LEARN MORE

What We Do

Nelson Clay Week

Ceramists from across Aotearoa come together to learn, teach, build new connections and celebrate all things clay in a biannual festival.

LEARN MORE

Nelson Jewellery Week

A biannual celebration of contemporary jewellery in Aotearoa, for makers, wearers, and viewers.

Learn more

Changing Threads

The annual National Contemporary Textile Fibre Art Awards, celebrating artists who stretch the boundaries of fibre and textile art.

Learn more

Community Arts

We support and promote community arts opportunities across the Te Tauihu region, including administering funding and offering advice.

Learn more

Make It Nelson

Make It Nelson is a curated programme of hands-on workshops running throughout June 2026 in Whakatū Nelson.

Learn more

Arts Development Agency

We are transitioning to a future-focused development agency to better support the region.

Learn more

What’s On

We feature creative events, exhibitions, opportunities, and 
more happening in Te Tauihu, Top of the South.

Want to submit your own listing? Submit below or email lil@acn.org.nz.

UPCOMING EVENTS
SEE MORE

Social Media

OUR NEWSLETTER

Get the latest local arts news, events and opportunities.