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.
What’s on at Tāwera our brand new art space at 77 Trafalgar St
TĀWERA
Ordinary Wonders
Hikitia|Rise
Ordinary Wonders creates space for people to share memories and have them transformed into art that inspires reflection, strengthens connection, and contributes to social change and the prevention of family violence, sexual violence, and child sexual abuse.
People from across Te Tauihu have shared memories of the people, relationships, experiences, and places that helped them feel safe, seen, connected, and that they belonged. Local artists have transformed these stories into more than 80 original artworks, creating a powerful collective portrait of our community.
Together, these stories and artworks celebrate the people, relationships, and places that help shape safe, connected, and thriving communities.
On until September 16th
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.
Make It Nelson
Make It Nelson is a curated programme of hands-on workshops running throughout June 2026 in Whakatū Nelson.
Arts Development Agency
We are transitioning to a future-focused development agency to better support the region.
Social Media
OUR NEWSLETTER
Get the latest local arts news, events and opportunities.