ArtWorks Whakatū Nelson

ArtWorks Whakatū Nelson is a companion project to ArtWalk and ArtDoors.

ArtWorks are original artworks around the city, on walls, electrical boxes, roller doors and other surfaces that might come available, using local artists.

ArtWalk takes artworks from the Suter Art Gallery and reproduces them at a large-scale for walls around the city.

ArtDoors is a series of reproduced contemporary artworks from local artists, on privately-owned doors, windows and walls.

Together, all three projects are transforming the city into a more interesting and dynamic place to engage with. Whether it’s for people who walk past them as part of their daily routine, or visitors from around the planet who decide to discover them all, the artworks bring colour and vibrancy to our experience, encouraging people to walk the city streets, maybe stop for a coffee, and generally spend more time appreciating our urban environment.

The genesis for ArtWorks was during the campaign for Spring Clean Whakatū Nelson, as part of the What If project. Nelson Electricity Limited (NEL) took on the challenge to clean all their electrical boxes, and then approached MSS about finding some artists to give them a make-over – it’s a win-win-win situation – for the artists, for passers-by, and for NEL!

Around the same time, MSS was approached by Theatre Royal to find an artist to paint a metal box beside their building, and ArtHouse commissioned Richard Sellars to transform a roller door in their laneway.

ArtWorks project showcases artists who reside in our city and region, as well as encouraging property and business owners to show proactive support for livening up our city.

The sites and artists are selected by both Make/Shift Spaces and Arts Council Nelson.