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.

YOUR LOCAL ART CONNECTOR

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

Our Current Exhibitions

REFINERY ARTSPACE

A View from Somewhere

Lance Kerr's latest exhibition 'A View from Somewhere' explores the resonance between buddhism and postmodern deconstruction, inspired by his first visit to Japan..

Opening Monday 15th September at 5 PM.

15th September—18th October

REFINERY ARTSPACE

Folding Time: Textile Poetics

Makyla Curtis presents her solo show 'Folding Time: Textile Poetics' developing kinship with plant-life and notions of rootedness and belonging in misty layers of cotton-silk.

Opening Monday 15th September at 5 PM.

15th September—18th October

REFINERY ARTSPACE

Vulva

Jessica Hazel's exhibition 'Vulva' is a celebration of 'sensations in fluff.' It explores a powerful symbol of identity, femininity and sexuality through tapestry and rug fibre art.

Opening Monday 15th September at 5 PM.

15th September—18th October

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.

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.

Nelson Jewellery Week

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

Changing Threads

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

Community Arts

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

Funding

We connect artists with funding grants, including Creative Communities and Nelson City Council schemes.

Arts Development Agency

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

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.

Featured
Kōpū Exhibition
Aug 12
Kōpū Exhibition

We’re transforming how Whakatū Nelson City looks, feels, and tells its story. Whakatū is ready for a future where our public spaces reflect the richness of our cultural identity, a deeper connection to place and foster a shared sense of belonging....

Nick Hyde
Dec 1
Nick Hyde

Nelson Fringe
Dec 1
Nelson Fringe

Māpua Literary Festival
Dec 1
Māpua Literary Festival

Septet
Dec 1
Septet

MC KYLA
Dec 1
MC KYLA

Social Media

Calling local artists! Our latest exhibition, KŌPŪ, has multiple opportunities for Māori practitioners to get involved in city projects. Pop in to the gallery to find out more! Open Saturdays 10 am - 2 pm.
KŌPŪ is an awesome exhibition for tamariki! Alongside a colouring competition designed by Matt Tait (pictured), there's also an interactive playground design, inviting kids to feed into a future playspace in Whakatū. Open 10-4 weekdays, and 10-2 o
Get down to KŌPŪ @kopu.whakatu this week, our latest exhibition facilitating vital kōrero about bringing Toi Māori into public art spaces in Whakatū, and revitalising our city. KŌPŪ is an invitation - to interact, feedback, create and collaborate. T
Kōpū opens Tuesday to the public! Immerse yourself in new ideas about public art and public spaces with a showcase of Māori design reshaping the city. Pop in from 10 AM to check it out! Photography: Naomi Aporo-Manihera
Have you tried our new audio tours? 🎧 As part of this work to expand our accessible offerings at Refinery Artspace, we are trialing new audio tours of our exhibitions. Artist Robin Slow worked with Gallery Manager, Janja Heathfield, to create an a
Opening this month at Refinery ArtSpace! Kōpū is a a showcase of Māori design reshaping the city. This is an exhibition you won't want to miss! Opening Monday 11th August - see you there 🤩
Get up close! Uur current exhibition of Robin Slow's intricate works asks you to look a little closer. You'll be surprised by the scale of these artworks - come in to see for yourself. Artworks are: 1. Te Manu-i-te-Rā, Robin Slow 2. Whakawehenga, Ro
Stunning texture, imagery and colour in our latest collection of works by Te Ohu Weka & Robin Slow. You've got another few days to check out Te Ohu Weka's work before they travel over to Marlborough.
Join us this Saturday 5th July from 11 AM at Refinery ArtSpace to meet the artists behind our current exhibition, Te Ao Mārama. Hear from Mat Tait and Te Ohu Weka artist collective. See you there!

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