DIVE INTO A SEA OF ARTS AND CULTURE THIS LABOUR WEEKEND AT NELSON ARTS FESTIVAL

Photo Credit: Hōhua Kurene

The Nelson Arts Festival is back, running from 24 October to 3 November, with over 56 exciting events that will transform Whakatū into a lively hub of creativity. This year’s festival is packed with music, comedy, talks, and cool exhibitions, making it the perfect way to kick off your Labour Weekend.

As summer approaches, soak up the stunning sights of the Nelson Tasman region while enjoying its vibrant arts scene.

Get ready to kick off the long weekend in style this Thursday at 5pm with the vibrant Waka of Dreams exhibition by crochet extraordinaires Lissy and Rudi Robinson-Cole, a dazzling special commission for the Nelson Arts Festival that will continue to inspire until November 23. Next, immerse yourself in SLIP, the Aotearoa premiere tour from dancer/choreographer Rebecca Jensen and sound artist Aviva Endean, an intricate duet blending live foley art, dance, and cinematic sound to delve into the complexities of our modern world. And to top it all off, the amazing Shepherds Reign will rock opening night, bringing their fierce Polynesian pride to the festivities.

On Friday night don’t miss Be Like Billy?, a tribute to Māori showmanship performed by the audacious Rutene Spooner. Music lovers will also be mesmerised by the magical sounds of Esther Swift, who mixes classical and folk with beautiful pedal harp and voice. Then get ready to groove with Thabani Gapara as he celebrates his new album Dzindza with a fresh mix of African beats and jazz. Plus visit a special art installation by Rana Hamida, Make Art Not War, where attendees are invited to create origami cranes to honour those who have lost their lives during the current crisis in Palestine.

If you’re into books, don’t miss Pukapuka Talks’ Housing for All, featuring Jade Kake, Henrietta Bollinger, and Miriana Stephens as they discuss creative housing solutions across the motu. Magical realism lovers and those interested in self-publishing will enjoy hearing from Rachael King and Lee Murray at Mythology & Mystical Realism. And check out Otherhood: Childless, Childfree and Child Adjacent, where Kathryn van Beek, Iona Winter, Henrietta Bollinger, and Lily Duval share their personal stories about life without kids. 

Saturday is packed with vibrant activity too. Join Pukapuka Talks: Evoking the Diaspora with Jade Kake and Saraid de Silva, exploring feelings of belonging and multi-generational family stories. Don’t miss Becky Manawatu alongside Talia Marshall in conversation about her new book Kataraina at Tenacious Wāhine, and get ready to laugh as award-winning comedian Courtney Dawson takes to the stage with her humour and warmth. 

On Sunday, roll up your sleeves for the Victory Poetry Slam workshop led by Sheldon Rua and Talia Stanley, where you can create poems to take home. Enjoy (or contribute to!) a live performance and open mic session in the Victory Boxing Ring afterwards. Pukapuka Talks features RNZ's Susie Fergusonchatting about her memoir Bloody Minded, along with Patricia Gracecelebrating her latest book Bird Child and Other Stories. Plus, conservation advocates Mike Joy and Dave Hansford will discuss how storytelling can help protect our environment.

On Monday, don’t miss the People + Water Series, showcasing powerful documentaries that highlight Indigenous connections to water and land, featuring the 2024 DocEdge sell-out Ko au te Awa, ko te Awa ko au – I Am The River, The River Is Me, a touching film that follows Māori river guardian Ned Tapa on a five-day waka trip down the Whanganui river. Tuhaymani’chi pal waniqa explores a Cahuilla, Cupeño father and daughter attempting to reconnect in a journey through their Indigenous roots and the acclaimed Gaza Surf Club, which follows surfers in Gaza as they find personal freedom in the Mediterranean waves while navigating life in "the world's largest open-air prison”.

Throughout the festival, get ready to dive into a world of creativity with a variety of exciting exhibitions. Marvel at Sculpt Nature at the Brook Waimārama Sanctuary, a new installation by award-winning urban artists Charles and Janine Williams at Atelier Gallery, and stop by the Nelson Airport and Lee Woodman Studio in central Whakatū to meet Sam Duckor-Jones’ charming larger-than-life-size sculptures Myths & Legends and Parishioners - these papier mâché and glitter celebrate the pride and joy of queer life in Aotearoa . 

Whether you’re an arts lover or just looking for a fun Labour Weekend adventure, the Nelson Arts Festival has something for everyone to dive into.  

Check out the full programme at www.nelsonartsfestival.nz