Councillor’s Comment

As the days start to get longer and the weather warmer, it’s around this time that my mind drifts toward what I consider to be the unofficial start of summer in Whakatū, the Nelson Arts Festival. With the city filled with people, colour and creativity it’s hard not to feel a seasonal buzz, even if sometimes the weather still has some catching up to do.

This year is extra special as we celebrate the festival turning 30 and in turn, get to celebrate all the incredible moments from past festivals, as well as recognising the huge contribution from a wide range of people that has kept the festival going strong. In fact, we’ve been going long enough for us to claim the title of New Zealand’s longest-running annual arts festival.

Nelson Arts Festival is again using a pay what you can ticketing system, which alongside a strengthened accessibility programme (including the incredible disability led show AIGA), we can be proud to have a festival that all Nelsonians can enjoy and engage with.

A personal highlight in this year’s offering (though between the long list of theatre, comedy, Pukapuka talks and installations it’s hard to pick just one) is Lissy and Rudi Robinson-Cole’s specially commissioned takeover of the Refinery ArtSpace for Waka of Dreams: Punanga Pohewa. If you haven’t had a chance to see any of this duo’s incredible work before, you’re in for an absolute treat, as they weave (or perhaps more appropriately, knot) Toi Māori and crochet into transformational works.

It’s hard to understate the contribution the creative sector makes to our region, bringing vibrancy and energy into our city, providing opportunities for connection and conversation, and as a key pillar of our local economy. Working across both Nelson City Council’s arts and creativity work programmes and our work on city revitalisation, it’s clear that supporting Nelson’s creative expression is critical for our future.

Whatever your interests, there’s something in the programme for you and with many events taking place on our city streets, the action will be unmissable regardless. So, make the most of what we have right on our doorstep as we welcome some of the best creative minds Aotearoa and the world have to offer into Whakatū, as well as celebrating our homegrown talent this October!

Nelson Arts Festival runs from 24 October to 3 November and features more than 55 different events and installations.