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Exhibition
Dec 14, 2024
-
March 30, 2025

Use Your Words
Use Your Words is a visual art exhibition that celebrates the profound power of language through the lens of four essential words: Mautohe | Protest, Aroha | Love, Mātauranga | Wisdom, and Auaha | Create. Featuring a diverse array of artists and creatives, the exhibition draws connections between these words and how they have shaped personal and collective experiences. Open daily until 30 March 2025.
Workshops + Classes
2024
Jun 19

Life Drawing
Join Queenstown Arts Society for eight individual classes of classical figure drawing, guided by artist Kasia Hebda. Enhance your drawing skills and deepen your understanding of composition, line, mass, and texture through observational drawing with a life model. Sundays 4pm -5:45pm, 21 April - May 25 | Wednesdays 6pm - 7:45pm, 29 May - 19 June | PUĀWAI | $25 + $3 booking fee per class.
Talks + Symposia
2024
Jun 15

Curator Talk: Contemporary Currents in Māori Art
Director of the Dowse Art Museum, Karl Chitham, talks to some of the major artistic projects and partnerships that have been shaping conversations about toi Māori in Aotearoa and on the world stage. Saturday 15 June, 3pm | PUĀWAI | $5, registration essential
Exhibition
2024
Apr 9

Ian Scott: Painting New Zealand
Presenting previously unseen or rarely seen works, this exhibition direct from the New Zealand Portrait Gallery brings together a selection of Ian Scott’s paintings from the last three decades of his life. Open daily until 3 June | WHAKAARI | Free, all welcome
Workshops + Classes
2024
Jun 1

Landscape Drawing Workshop for Beginners with Kasia Hebda
Set against the picturesque backdrop of Queenstown, Frankton, this three-hour immersive experience promises to unlock your artistic potential and help you start your adventure with capturing landscapes. Saturday 1 June, 1-4pm | PUĀWAI | $75/$20 + Booking Fee
Workshops + Classes
2024
May 25

Mindful Movement with Amber Liberté
A workshop for dancers and non-dancers alike. Focusing on the idea of how movement feels in the body and using a joyful, fun, curiosity based approach. Ages 12+ (parents can to bring bubs), all levels of movement experience welcome. 9 - 10:30am | Saturday 25 May | Kapa Rua | $5 - $15
Drop-in Sessions
2024
May 25
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Free Comic Book Day
Head into our comic art exhibition Kapow! to celebrate Free Comic Book Day. This is a worldwide annual event designed to introduce new titles and genres to comic book fans. We have dozens of comic books to give away - with an extra copy for anyone dressed as their favourite character! 9am - 5pm | Saturday 25 May | MANAAKI NUI | Free
Dance
2024
May 25

Te Atamira Folk Bal
Dress up and get your dancing shoes on along with renowned choreographer Michael Parmenter and Dunedin dance aficionado Kate Grace. In this community dance event, Michael and Kate will guide us through the steps of dances that blend centuries-old European traditions with modern flair. Open to all! 7-9pm Saturday 25 May | PUĀWAI | $39/$34
Workshops + Classes
2024
May 11

Portrait Drawing Workshop for Beginners with Kasia Hebda
Join Kasia Hebda, artist and art conservator, for a Portrait Drawing Workshop designed especially for beginners. Delve into the fascinating world of portraiture as Kasia shares her expert tips and tricks for creating captivating portraits while unraveling the optical challenges inherent in depicting people. Saturday 11 May, 1-4pm | PUĀWAI | $75/$20 + $3 Booking Fee
Talks + Symposia
2024
May 11

Curating Ian Scott
Ian Scott (1945 – 2013) was a leading New Zealand painter who, over the course of a 50 year career, consistently pushed the boundaries of representational art and the use of appropriated imagery from art history. Join Director of the New Zealand Portrait Gallery Jaenine Parkinson to learn more about our exhibition Ian Scott: Painting New Zealand. 1.30pm, Saturday 11 May | WHAKAARI | Free
2024
May 3

PINT-SIZED PLAYS
Remarkable Theatre is thrilled to be performing the short-listed finalist scripts from 2024's play writing competition. 8 short plays have been chosen for your viewing pleasure. You the audience decides which comedy will be the winner. Friday 3 May, 7pm | PUĀWAI | $25 + Booking Fee
Workshops + Classes
2024
Apr 29

All Handmade
These five week block courses with Raquel Carter are focused on hand building ceramic vessels in different ways. Covering all basic skills from starting with a block of clay through the entire making process, exploring different techniques, decorating styles and the glazing process. Mondays and Fridays beginning 29 April, 10am - 1pm | TE PA MATAPAIA | $285
Tamariki

April School Holidays 2024
Join us for a fun-filled, arts and craft-packed holiday programme. Led by accredited Art teacher Michelle and run in collaboration with Youthtown, our bespoke, multidisciplinary arts programme will enhance and enthuse all through a range of workshops. Monday 15 April – Friday 26 April, 9am-3pm | Age groups 5-7 and 8-12
Performing Arts + Theatre
2024
Apr 19
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An Almighty Yes by Emma Lange
SECOND SHOW ADDED. Magical things can happen when you're diagnosed with a brain tumour! Emma Lange brings this one-of-a-kind solo comedy home to Queenstown, after wowing the big cities and winning ardent fans like Dame Jools Topp. Friday 19 April, 7pm and Saturday 20 April, 7pm | PUĀWAI | $25/$20
Workshops + Classes
2024
Apr 17

Piano Masterclass
Piano students and teachers – take this opportunity to join international pianist and composer Daniel Verstappen in a masterclass working directly with students. Daniel will focus on technique, performance for concerts or exams, posture, rhythm and more. Wednesday 17 April, 1pm | PUĀWAI | $15/$10
Performing Arts + Theatre
2024
Apr 17

Reconnection World Tour
Experience the captivating world of piano music with award-winning international pianist and composer, Daniel Verstappen. Belgium-based Daniel blends classical elegance with contemporary innovation, reconnecting all ages with classical music. Wednesday 17 April, 7pm | PUĀWAI | $25/$35
Exhibition
2024
Feb 3

small holes in the silence
Four nationally recognised intaglio printmakers bring together their individual explorations of environments, atmosphere and language. Kyla Cresswell, Catherine Macdonald, Prue MacDougall and Nan Mulder respond to Hone Tuwhare's poem 'Rain', creating a visual connection with the written word, investigating the aural landscape, our fundamental ties to nature, elements of time and the human experience. Open daily until 14 April | MANAAKI NUI | Free
Workshops + Classes
2024
Apr 13

Tetra Pak Printing
Try a great fun intaglio printmaking technique using recycled tetra pak cartons to make etchings with Kyla Cresswell. This material is easy to shape, cut into and print from. Create something uniquely yours - by using an etching press, create your own handmade prints. Saturday 13 April 2024, 10am - 3.30pm | MAHI TAHI | $120
Tamariki
2024
Apr 8

Wriggle and Rhyme
NO CLASSES IN SCHOOL HOLIDAYS - Wriggle and Rhyme is a music and movement programme for pēpē and tamariki aged 0-2 held weekly in our Kapa Tahi space. Join our facilitator Sunny Sky of EpicKids for this 45-minute class. Now available two sessions: Monday 10-10:45am and 11-11:45am. Registrations essential.
Workshops + Classes
2024
Mar 24

Life Drawing
QAS is bringing back life-drawing classes! Join us for four weeks of classical figure drawing, guided by artist Kasia Hebda. Enhance your drawing skills and deepen your understanding of composition, line, mass, and texture through observational drawing with a life model. Sundays 3, 10, 17, 24 March, 4:15 - 5:45pm | PUĀWAI | $25 + $3 booking fee per class
Dance

Footnote NZ Dance Masterclass
Footnote NZ Dance is offering an open adults masterclass as part of their IYKYK tour. Taught by Footnote's company dancers, you will have the opportunity to learn repertoire from the show and experience the choreographic process used to create it! Friday 22 March, 7:30pm | KAPA RUA | $50
Dance

Footnote NZ Dance Community Masterclass
Footnote NZ Dance are offering a free community masterclass for ages 12-18 as part of their IYKYK tour. Taught by Footnote's company dancers, you will have the opportunity to learn repertoire from the show and experience the choreographic process used to create it! Friday 22 March, 7 - 8:15pm | KAPA TAHI | Free
Talks + Symposia
2024
Mar 13
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All in for Arts: He waka toi e eke noa nei tātou
The Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi and Creative New Zealand Toi Aotearoa are bringing leaders, decision-makers, artists and creative champions together to amplify the arts, and uncover how creativity can propel us forward. These breakfast events are free, and everyone is welcome – even if you haven’t felt creative in years! Wednesday 13 March, 7:30am - 9am | PUAWAI | Free
Workshops + Classes
2024
Feb 25

Contemporary landscape oil techniques with Kelly Pearce - SOLD OUT
Extend your painting skills in a summer workshop with landscape painter Kelly Pearce, who shares a variety of techniques for working with oil paints. Suitable for those who have painted a little already and would like to learn more about the creative use of oils. Sunday 25 February, 9.30am-4pm | MAHI TAHI | $140
Workshops + Classes
2024
Feb 6
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Harakeke pepa mahi: Flax paper workshop
On the anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi, senior weaver Rokahurihia Cameron demonstrates making paper from harakeke whītau (flax fibre). Join us for a hands-on experience. Tuesday 6th February, 1pm – 3pm | MAHI TAHI | Free, registration required.
Talks + Symposia
2024
Feb 4

Art Write Night
Join artist Catherine Macdonald for an evening of art and writing. Catherine will facilitate a discussion about artist/writer collaborations, exploring connections and fostering relationships between the writing community and the art world. Sunday 4 February, 7pm | MANAAKI NUI | Free - registration required.
Talks + Symposia
2024
Feb 4

Revealing the Mezzotint with Nan Mulder
Nan Mulder is an internationally recognised expert in the mezzotint. This is a time consuming, but beautiful printmaking technique, whereby the artist scrapes and burnishes the image into a prepared ‘rocked’ copperplate, working from dark to light. Come and see Nan demonstrating her technique within the exhibition small holes in the silence. Sunday 4 February, 1.30pm | MANAAKI NUI | FREE
Workshops + Classes
2024
Feb 4

Bookbinding Workshop with Catherine Macdonald
This bookbinding workshop focuses on 2 glue-free styles of binding. In a hands-on class, you will make a simple one-fold softcover notebook and two versions of a Japanese stab-bound book. Books can then be used for sketching, writing, albums, scrapbooking and more. Sunday 4 February, 10am - 1pm | MAHI TAHI | $120
Film Screenings
2024
Feb 1

Little Cinema Queenstown
A spectacular short film showcase night that supports filmmaking at grassroots levels in the Queenstown Lakes District area and beyond. From sketches, documentaries, music videos and more, this promises to be a fun night for all lovers of film. Thursday 1 February, 7:30pm - 9:45pm | PUAWAI | $5
Talks + Symposia
2024
Jan 31
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Welcome to the Treaty
Ahead of Waitangi Day, we invite you to an introduction to Te Tiriti o Waitangi over a cup of tea with local kaumatua (elder) Darren Rewi. Darren will answer questions about the Treaty, its history here in the South, and the part we all play in upholding the principles of the Treaty as citizens of Aotearoa. Wednesday 31 January, 6pm | PUĀWAI | FREE, All welcome
Tamariki
2024
Jan 10

January School Holiday Programme 2024
Join us for a fun-filled, arts and craft-packed holiday programme. Led by accredited Art teacher Michelle, our bespoke, multidisciplinary arts programme will enhance and enthuse all through a range of workshops. Wednesday 10 January – Wednesday 31 January, 9:30am - 3pm | Age groups 5-7 and 8-12
Exhibition
2023
Dec 2
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Summer in the South | Raumati ki Tonga
Te Atamira's inaugural summer group exhibition is a riot of colour and texture evoking the yarns, legends and moments of summertime in the South. Over 40 artists explore the landscapes, cultures, and histories associated with the southern region of Aotearoa in the summer. Saturday 2 December - Tuesday 30 January | MANAAKI NUI
Talks + Symposia
2024
Jan 27

Īnakinaki: Curator's talk with Gina Matchitt
Curator Gina Matchitt takes us on a guided tour of the exhibition Īnakinaki, showcasing current clay, print and textile work by senior uku (clay) artist Wi Taepa and locally based multimedia artist Kristin O'Sullivan Peren. Saturday 27 January, 3:30pm | WHAKAARI | Free
Talks + Symposia
2024
Jan 27
Mary Kisler: The landscape in New Zealand art
A wonderful opportunity to hear from renowned art historian and curator Mary Kisler, on the final weekend of our exhibition Summer in the South | Raumati ki Tonga. Join us over a glass of wine and hear how our region has inspired the art of this country and beyond. Saturday 27 January 2024, 5pm | PUĀWAI | $55/$45
Film Screenings
2024
Jan 23

Israelism Film Screening - #FreePalestine
Join the Free Palestine movement for a captivating evening and immerse yourself in a thought-provoking documentary that delves into the evolving landscape of Jewish attitudes towards Israel. Witness the dramatic changes and explore the far-reaching consequences for the region and Judaism itself. Tuesday 23 January, 7pm | PUAWAI | Free
Exhibition
2023
Nov 23

Melissa Macleod: stones, soil, sand, silt and bones
Melissa Macleod's new site specific installation speaks to the surrounding geography and movement of earth. Mountains, ranges, peaks and riverbeds break down, move, slip, subside, reform - they are perpetual cycles of matter falling and building. Thursday 23 November - Monday 22 January | WHAKAARI
Workshops + Classes
2024
Jan 12

Make a pinhole camera with Diane Stoppard
Explore the very beginning of photography by making your own 'camera obscura'. This ingenious device will create mysterious upside-down images of your world using simple materials easily found at home. Friday 12 January, 1-4pm | MAHI TAHI | $45
Tamariki
2023
Dec 20
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Christmas Holidays 2023
Join us as we get into the Christmas spirit! Led by accredited Art teacher Michelle, our multidisciplinary arts programme will enhance and enthuse all through a range of workshops. Wednesday 20 December – Friday 22 December, 9:30am - 3:00pm | $30/$60 | Age groups 5-7 and 8-12
Dance
2023
Dec 16
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Wakatipu Conservatoire of Classic Ballet presents: The Magic of the Lamp
Come and watch this visually spectacular ballet performed by students from Wakatipu Conservatoire of Classical Ballet. A dazzling spectacle of colour and movement for all ages. Saturday 16 December, 4pm and Sunday 17 December, 11am | MEMORIAL CENTRE | Free - $27
Drop-in Sessions
2023
Dec 5
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Pivotal Point Parent Support Group
We're here to help families access holistic support for their neurodiverse tamariki within the Whakatipu Basin. Would you like to connect with other parents and caregivers in your community? Join the Pivotal Point Parent Support Group to talk, share and listen in a supportive environment. First Tuesday of every month, 9:15 - 10:45am | TŌNUI
Exhibition
2023
Oct 29

Hidden Identities
Hidden Identities aims to amplify the voices of marginalised communities, and shine a light on the stories that often remain hidden. These personal and sculptural artworks have been carefully crafted by artists from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences to reveal hidden facets of the artists' identities. | FOYER | FREE
Exhibition
2023
Oct 27
Queenstown Art Society: Inside Outside Inbetween
QAS presents a members' exhibition that celebrates all that we see around us, inside and outside, with the added invitation to imagine and portray what might exist ‘in-between’. Open daily 27 October - 25 November | MANAAKI NUI | FREE
Performing Arts + Theatre
2023
Nov 4

Queenstown Party Orchestra
We had so much fun last time, we’re back to make a big fat Song and Dance of it…..!
With a new expanded line-up, the Queenstown Party Orchestra is ready to bounce out of the gates for another fun-filled evening of very unserious orchestral music. Saturday, 4 November, 7pm | PUĀWAI
Performing Arts + Theatre
2023
Oct 21

Wakatipu High School Performing Arts Night
Please join us for an evening celebrating some of Wakatipu High Schools award winning Performing Arts groups from 2023 including singer- songwriters, the jazz bands and the national winners of the Theatrefest competitions. Doors open 6.30 with the event starting at 7.00pm.
Festivals
2023
Oct 7

At the World's Edge Festival 2023
Book now for this year's At the World's Edge Festival - a Chamber Music Festival in the heart of the Southern Alps. With six festival programmes weaving together between free events and community performances, come along for a powerful exploration of identity, perspectives, and cultural dimensions through the lens of classical music in New Zealand. Friday 6 October - Friday 20 October | WHAKAARI
Workshops + Classes
2023
Oct 19

Botanical Watercolours Course with Kasia Hebda
Join artist Kasia Hebda on the creative path to learn the basics of watercolour painting. Based on botanical still life subjects, each week we will practice painting different objects ranging from fruits to flowers and foliage, creating original work during every lesson. 5 week course - every Thursday from 21 September - 19 October, 6-8pm | MAHI TAHI
Tamariki
2023
Oct 14

Legends of our Lands: Storytelling with Darren Rewi
Māori storytelling (pūrākau) is a way to share ideas, meaning and identity. Darren Rewi brings to life the Kāi Tahu stories illustrated in our current exhibition of art by Queenstown students. Hear the real stories of our myths and legends from a storyteller whose ancestors used to walk these hills. All ages welcome. 2-3pm Saturday 14 October | MANAAKI NUI | FREE
Talks + Symposia
2023
Oct 14
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Meet the Artist: Abhi Chinniah
Join photographer Abhi Chinniah as she walks us through her immersive exhibition A Migrant's Path. Abhi's collection of narrative portraits featuring migrant residents of New Zealand is photographed against the backdrop of Aotearoa's landscape. Saturday 14 October, 11am | WHAKAARI | FREE
Live Music
2023
Oct 13

At the World's Edge+ Free Events - Young Musicians Session
The Young Musicians Session is an interactive event that gives young, local musicians the opportunity to meet, hear, and play alongside AWE Artists, truly experiencing the fullness of AWE. Friday 13 October, 3-5pm | WHAKAARI | Free
Live Music
2023
Oct 13

At the World's Edge+ Free Performances - Sei Solo | Violin and Dance
An AWE+ Free Violin and Dance Performance reimagining Bach’s second solo violin partita, with the interspersion of modern solo violin works by NZ composers Karlo Margetić and Gareth Farr. Performed in collaboration with dance from CONJAH. Friday 13 October, 6pm | WHAKAARI | Free
Live Music
2023
Oct 13

At the World's Edge Festival - Immemorial+
Immemorial features emotionally powerful works taking inspiration from the past, from Alfred Schnittke to Arvo Pärt. Many of these works profoundly influenced this year’s Composer in Residence, Victoria Kelly. Friday 13 October, 8pm | WHAKAARI | $65
Live Music
2023
Oct 7

At the World's Edge+ Free Performances - Twilight | French Horn
This AWE+ Free Performance showcases the unique musical language of two composers on opposite sides of the Atlantic, Janáček and Harbison, giving a closer look at the French Horn and a taste of what’s to come later in the festival. Saturday 7 October, 6pm | WHAKAARI | Free
Live Music
2023
Oct 7

At the World's Edge Festival - Sono+
Launching the 2023 festival, Sono is the Portuguese word describing the cerebral feeling of wanting to be or trying to get back to sleep. Here begins the exploration of identity, with three composers defining their musical voice on their own terms. Saturday 7 October, 4pm and 7pm | WHAKAARI | $65
Tamariki

October School Holiday Programme 2023
Join us for a fun-filled, arts and craft-packed holiday programme. Led by accredited Art teacher Michelle and run in collaboration with Youthtown, our bespoke, multidisciplinary arts programme will enhance and enthuse all through a range of workshops. Age groups 5-7 and 8-12 | Monday 25 September – Friday 6 October, 9:30am - 3pm
Workshops + Classes
2023
Sep 30
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Angklung Workshop
Unlock the rhythmic magic of the Angklung. Join the Indonesian Community in Queenstown for a weekly Angklung workshop and immerse yourself in captivating world of this traditional bamboo instrument. Every Saturday until 30 September, 4:30 - 6pm | KAPA RUA | FREE
Festivals
2023
Sep 21

Queenstown Salsa Festival 2023
Book now for this year's Queenstown Salsa Festival hosted by Pasion Salsa. Featuring workshops with some of New Zealand and Australia's top instructors, performances, and parties, this festival is set to be a fun filled, electrifying party for dancers of all levels. Thursday 21 September - Sunday 24 September | KAPA TAHI, KAPA RUA, PUĀWAI, WHAKAARI
Live Music
2023
Sep 23
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Unsung Heroes
Chris Priestley, Cameron Bennett, Nigel Gavin and Sonia Wilson present The Unsung Heroes, telling stories from New Zealand's distant past in song. Each song is introduced with historic images, newspaper clippings and poems read by Peter Elliot. Not to be missed - Saturday 23 September, 7:30pm | PUĀWAI
Workshops + Classes
2023
Sep 22

Art Adventures: Mixed Media Portraits
In this series with artist Raquel Carter, you will explore basic sketching techniques and materials for portraits: acrylics, collage layering, proportions, creating form, and working with mixed media. Friday 1, 8, 15, 22 September, 5:30 - 8:00pm | MAHI TAHI
Exhibition
2023
Jun 25

Ārai Awa
Ārai Awa is an immersive video installation reflecting on the obstructed ancestral journey of tuna (eels) in the Whakatipu region. Led by Rachael Rakena and Paulette Tamati-Elliffe with a creative team including Laughton Kora, Michael Bridgman, Komene Cassidy, Tūmai Cassidy, Ross Hemera, Amber Bridgman, Iain Frengley, Arihia Latham, Donna Matahaere-Atariki and Virginia Watson.
Workshops + Classes
2023
Sep 16

Developing Your Short or Feature Film Project
Fresh from the release of Far North, David White will be visiting Queenstown for this one-off workshop where you will learn how to take your film idea through development, from a one-pager to a dynamic and compelling script. Saturday 16 September, 9am - 5pm | PUĀWAI | $25
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