Arts Council Nelson

02/07/2026

CCS Applications due by the 10th!

www.acn.org.nz/funding

01/07/2026

This is a really cool project to support one of our local artists Chris Ulutupu. A little bit goes along way or a big bit if you van manage it!

"In 2024, I created an archive project that collected stories and histories from my community in Te Tau Ihu. Building on that foundation, I brought together a group of talented musicians to transform these personal narratives into music—spanning different genres and timelines. Over the course of a workshop, we created eight demo tracks. Now, we need support to finish these songs. The goal is to finish the recordings, mix and master the album for record pressing and digital release. Later this year, the music will be exhibited alongside a series of music videos at The Physics Room and Jhana Millers Gallery."

Boosted is Aotearoa New Zealand’s only arts crowdfunding platform. We’re here to bring creatives and supporters together to grow creativity. With our mentored approach to crowdfunding, we have one of the world's highest crowdfunding success rates and have helped creatives raise millions since 20...

10/06/2026

Are you a visionary leader with a passion for arts, culture, and community impact? Te Tai-o-Aorere Arts Development Trust is seeking an exceptional Director to lead the new arts development agency for Whakatū Nelson. This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of arts and creativity across the region, building on the legacy of Arts Council Nelson and helping realise the ambitions of He Tātai Whetū, Nelson's Arts and Creativity Strategy.

As Director, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across advocacy, sector development, partnerships, programme delivery, and arts infrastructure initiatives. You will work closely with artists, communities, mana whenua, local government, funders, and sector partners to strengthen a vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable creative ecosystem.

For more details, including how to apply, visit acn.org.nz/work-with-us. Applications close Sunday 28th June 2026.

20/05/2026

Mending workshops with Textile ResQ
Learn how to fix your clothes one stitch at a time.

Textile ResQ and the Refinery are offering four mending workshops in June to run alongside Changing Threads and Make It Nelson

No experience required. Age 12+

1. Patching using boro technique and screenprinted patches. Bring your favourite (or most tatty) jeans and repair/embellish them with patches and stitching

6 June
1 pm – 3 pm

2. Fixing merino and wool with needle felting and other visible mending. Bring your holey merinos, fix the tiny holes and make it look amazing

13 June
10 am – 12 noon

3. Embroidery: covering small holes and stains and making a plain garment sing.
Learn simple embroidery stitches that can be used on all types of garments

20 June
1 pm – 3 pm

4. Darning, invisible mending and using a sewing machine for mending (demonstration only). Bring your knits or any other item of clothing that needs a repair (natural fabrics only)

27 June
10 am – 12 noon

To register: email [email protected]
Please tell us which workshop(s) you are attending
Cost is $10 per workshop and this includes a mending kit with needles, thread and a few patches

We have received from the Nelson City Creative Communities Scheme

A little bit about Textile ResQ:

The Tasman Bay Textile ResQ Collective was formed in 2023 by a group of local women who have a passion for the environment and creativity.

Textile ResQ is a not-for-profit organisation and its main goal is to reduce textile waste. We upcycle clothes and textiles that are not suitable for sale in op-shops and our objective is to save these textiles from going to the landfill.

We partner with the Nelson Tasman Hospice op-shops and with the Nelson Environment Centre. We sell at op-shop on Saxton and op-shop on Vanguard.

We have over 30 active volunteers who are creative and skilled in mending and upcycling. They are keen to share their skills and inspire others.

-ResQ-Collective

19/03/2026

The Elevation of Hip Hop! Crisps Lane this Saturday.
6.30 - 9.30pm
Family Friendly!

Nelson this one's for the community and any one intrigued come witness hip hop Knelly styles we bring the heat Everytime DJs MC's and GRAFFITI ARTIST live and direct in a safe positive environment all ages free entry alcohol free free snacks and non alcoholic beverages free ice blocks and sausage sizzle.

18/03/2026

Mana Toi Mana Tāngata

Presented by Āwhio Toi Manatōpū

Refinery ArtSpace

This exhibition brings together Toi Māori artists from across Te Tauihu whose work reflects both traditional foundations and contemporary expression. Here, ancestral knowledge and modern practice sit alongside one another — a living conversation between past, present, and future.

Carleen Heemi - Connor Fitzpatrick - Diana Kohu - Frank Wells - Karen Wells - Louisa Paul - Natalie Kere - Paul Nankievell - Rory Hayes - Shanell Kelly - Hamuera Manihera - Tania Smith
Zerlina Kohu - Donna McLeod - Liani Ahere - Atawhai Teaukura - Stuart Kere -
Hoani Broughton Hippolite - Michaela Lobban - Ronald (Roni) Petley - Lovey Elkington - Heni Cook and Matepo Hemi (Hura Kakahu)

Āwhio Toi Manatōpū, as kaitiaki of this kaupapa and collective of ringatoi, extend our heartfelt appreciation to our partners — Nelson City Council, Rātā Foundation, and Indevin Villa Maria. Through their support, this exhibition stands as a living expression of Mana Toi, Mana Tāngata — honouring the creativity of our people and the strength.

E hara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini. Our success is not of one, but of many.

18th March—18th April

Nelson City Council Nelson Tasman Uniquely Nelson Rātā Foundation

18/03/2026

Note, there has been a time change and something a little bit special...

HOT CHIPS is coming up again this FRIDAY.

Due to a clash with the opening night of Christopher Ulutupu's – "Multiples" exhibitionat the Suter, we are pushing the start time and finish back so that everyone can enjoy the best of both worlds...

HOT CHIPS is a monthly event to network, chinwag, make new friends and connect the funky people of Whakatū, run by Arts Council Nelson and hosted at Project 100.

All are welcome - whether you’re an old hat or new to the area, come by to enjoy connecting with like-minded people. BYO beverage & BYO chair (if you wish to sit).

See you there !

09/03/2026

Day 6 is Tuesday 10 March.

That means we're half way through our 2026 Fringe already! We should all celebrate by buying a Fringe tea towel. $20 at Fringy HQ as well as Red Door Theatre (box office opens at 5pm).

Today we have 7 shows in 4 venues!

Fringe HQ is open every day from 12noon to 4pm - drop in for a chat, buy tickets, buy merch! Fringe HQ is at Refinery ArtSpace at 114 Hardy St.

5.30pm - Bones at WAA! Club
7.00pm - Opera’s Bad Girl: Anna Bishop, the World’s First Daringly Defiant Diva at Red Door Theatre
6.00pm - The Night Ali Died at Refinery ArtSpace
6.00pm - Me vs Myself at Yaza Cafe
7.30pm - Alice in Retirementland at Red Door Theatre
7.30pm - Ben Miller: Volcano at Yaza Cafe
9.00pm - Pub Tales at Yaza Cafe (this is Chris from the UK, also doing The Night Ali Died at 6pm - two shows on one night - if he can - you can!)

Tix $18 +bf
Info & bookings at www.nelsonfringe.co.nz

Nelson City Council Uniquely Nelson Nelson Tasman