Every year, in town halls and theatres all over New Zealand, around 2700 teenagers perform their own original songs, live, to an audience of their peers. Smokefreerockquest is a national institution with its roots here in Nelson.

Age Concern trialled having a space in Nelson, which then became permanent.

NCMA created the display to highlight their affordable music lesson.

Appo Hocton was the first person of Chinese descent to gain New Zealand citizenship. As carter, builder, roading contractor, then exporter, he was an industrious and respected resident of early Nelson.

PUNK IT UP had a simple message – togetherness – to have fun in the CBD, to be active, bold, and happy.

Cultural Conversations is a community arts hub focussed on building relationships and empowering former refugee and migrant communities.

Ann Bird made a huge contribution to Nelson’s early European settlement, including her butchery on the highstreet.

Anne Rush’s Luminous Clouds was first shown at the inaugural Light Nelson in 2013, suspended above the pond in Queen’s Gardens.

To celebrate Japanese traditional girl’s day, Hina Matsuri, Pop-Up Little Japan showcased three sets of beautiful Hina Ningyo (Hina Dolls).

Pop-Up Little Japan presented exhibitions, calligraphy classes and puppet shows in our little ShopFront Theatre.

Make/Shift Spaces worked with Papercut to showcase work by NMIT Arts and Media students.

Nelson has always been a magnet for those who dream of making their living through art and culture, including American-born Steve Fullmer.

Community Action Group (CAN) organised information and discussions about affordable and diverse housing options in Nelson.

Kia kaha te reo Māori! We hope you give te reo Māori a go!

Poorna Daundasekara is a Sri Lankan born artist who ran a mask-making workshop inspired by Sri Lankan designs but with a unique kiwi flavour.

A massive reproduction of one of Fleur Woods’ glorious ‘Stitched Paintings’.

Santalma uses her artwork to reflect the many aspects of her homeland of Colombia.

This artwork was created by Takaka-based artist Dean Raybould for the Brook Waimarama Sanctuarys.

One of New Zealand’s most-loved actors, Helen Moulder, created her own space in which to rehearse and present her newest play.

F N Jones was a man of many talents – photographer and creator of  Coney Park and Pixietowns.

Sally Burton’s ‘White Gold’ was presented in a shop window to stunning effect.

Each log in this collection of firewood was selected for its resemblance to seminal works of art.

Kim Ireland’s The Raft is part of her Threshold series, which reconstructs global climate events.

“Everyone’s a winner, bargains galore…”