Neighbourhood

“Inspired by the nature in Aotearoa, this work shows the growth of lush bush spiralling around. This shape was inspired by the koru, its imagery meaning “new life and growth”. As the seasons change, spring marks the beginning of the seasonal year as new life takes shape; embrace those new changes!” – Apex the Artist

“This design was inspired by a whale tail, which, when used in carvings/illustrations, the design represents harmony as well as family love and playfulness. In this design I wanted to be more inspired by waves and the creatures that flourish within our waters. Just as whales may go with the flow, this piece encourages harmony in the waves of change; every day is different so embrace it!” – Apex the Artist

“The butterfly often makes its appearance in the warmer weather – it is often a symbol for peace and calm. In this piece, I wanted to create an image that made it look as though a butterfly rests on the pavement under a ray of light. It encourages us to all take a moment like a resting pūrerehua and enjoy the moments of lightness in our lives when we can.” – Apex the Artist

“The pīpīwharauroa, or the shining cuckoo, is the springiest of springy birds and the messenger of early spring. Its call of Koia, Koia! is a call to prepare the soil for planting. Dig, Dig! The kowhaiwhai is a representation of that sound. The poutama is a symbol of learning and growth, growth of self and growth of knowledge. Spring is the season for “new” things – learning something new and starting fresh.” – Wayne Youle

“This form is inspired by the mighty Koru (new life and growth), and shows the stir of leaves in the wind as the times change. Night to day, dark to light, winter to spring – these changes are natural and we will always be dip diving in and out– so stay inspired to be always moving into these new ways of life and embrace your growth.” – Apex the Artist

“A series of silhouettes reference the history of Victoria Square, originally Market Place. Some shapes are historically relevant, some are symbols of the time, some are very much tongue in cheek. The work is about relationships, trade, food, sharing, progress, innovation and a dash of trepidation. The layout suggests a clock face with use of the Cook’s Telescope and the chicken wishbone. Top-centre and proud is the tekoteko figure that represents the tangata whenua’s Puari Pā settlement of the Waitaha iwi. Later it became an important site of trade and food gathering for Ngaī Tahu iwi. The donkey and the Hamish Hay Bridge are historical nods to a traffic count on a single day in 1862 where 1,000 people and, among other things, one single donkey were counted.” – Wayne Youle

“Water and spring, mahinga kai… While I am pretty sure the water that runs through Victoria Square does not house pātiki (flounder), the reason for the design is the concept of life, nutrition, wellbeing and a new start. The design is a combination of two Māori kowhaiwhai patterns, the puhoro and the pātiki. The puhoro represents the water, the movement of water, and the pātiki (flounder) living in the water. If we take care of our resources we will in turn be taken care of by the bounty they give us.” – Wayne Youle

“Thinking back to all those beautiful moments when the wind swirls around us (much like the winter to spring piece) – however this illustration does not celebrate the change from any other moment besides the one you stand in. These leaves mimic the swirl of the real leaves that dance around us every day.” – Apex Art

“I remembered the butterfly, I filled the shape with the vibe of spring, the general sense of rebirth and explosion of change. The 8^th gobo by Apex Art is also a butterfly work – the contrast in line, weight and form in this case almost make the two butterflies abstract and a space for pattern and design.” Wayne Youle

Toi Auaha is a dedicated studio space for local artists and creatives.

An affordable space is coming to central Ōtautahi – a testing ground for innovators, communities, entrepreneurs, creatives and educators.

Located at 110 Cashel Street Mall, The LiVS (Life in Vacant Spaces) Incubator is an insulated, 20 ft container that will provide participants with 14m2 of accessible, affordable and temporary central city space where individuals or groups can test out an early idea or project.

Depending on the project, time within the incubator will range from a minimum of 10 days up to a maximum of 2 months. This allows participants to commit to a certain time period and prototype their idea within a real world space. Having temporary projects in the space will allow for a diverse and ever-changing offering of projects over a 12 month period.

‘’We have a number of people coming to us (LiVS) with some amazing ideas to showcase, however, the commercial cost of a central city space is far out of reach for these individuals; Let alone a 12 month lease! We wanted to give people an opportunity to be able to showcase their projects and ideas and bring back some of the diversity of projects central Christchurch once had.’’ – Elisha Blogg, LiVS Director

‘’The world is currently going through significant change and we want to continue to support great ideas and encourage people to give things a go. LiVS recognises that starting out and getting something off the ground can be difficult to navigate. The Incubator is here to help individuals kick off their journey with additional support through collaboration’’– Lydia Thomas – LiVS Project Coordinator

Throughout the duration of each project, LiVS will provide advice and practical support around funding and project management. Participants can also benefit from LiVS’s wide range of networks and many years of experience to assist in the project’s success! If a particular project does thrive within the temporary space, LiVS can then work with the participant to find an ongoing more permanent and suitable space for the project.

The Incubator will kick off on the 13th September hosting The White Room Creative Space. An open air exhibition celebrating 10 years of LiVS as an organisation will also be on display alongside the Incubator on Cashel Street Mall from the 13th – 29th September.

If you have a great idea that you would like the opportunity to explore further through the LiVS Incubator, then email info@livs.org.nz.

“A series of silhouettes reference the history of Victoria Square, originally Market Place. Some shapes are historically relevant, some are symbols of the time, some are very much tongue in cheek. The work is about relationships, trade, food, sharing, progress, innovation and a dash of trepidation. The layout suggests a clock face with use of the Cook’s Telescope and the chicken wishbone. Top-centre and proud is the tekoteko figure that represents the tangata whenua’s Puari Pā settlement of the Waitaha iwi. Later it became an important site of trade and food gathering for Ngaī Tahu iwi. The donkey and the Hamish Hay Bridge are historical nods to a traffic count on a single day in 1862 where 1,000 people and, among other things, one single donkey were counted.” – Wayne Youle

FIBRE Gallery is distinctly a Moana gallery dedicated to the display of community-engaged, digital and heritage arts by Moana artists and creatives from throughout Aotearoa.

RDU is a not-for-profit alternative music radio station based in Christchurch. For 45 years, RDU 98.5FM has been championing local musicians and broadcasting their music. There are 140 + volunteer radio show hosts who come to RDU each week and dedicate their time to promoting local music, local events, and involving the people who make up our audience. Over 300 tracks from Ōtautahi’s musicians have been playlisted on RDU 98.5FM in the last 12 months. RDU’s broadcast studio is based in The BOXed Quarter on St Asaph Street, and also operates a smaller satellite studio based at the University of Canterbury, RDU Broadcasts live from both, and is a stone’s throw of SALTBOX Studios.

SALTBOX Studios is located on St Asaph Street, in the SALT District, Central Christchurch, Aotearoa. There are 3 studios within the SALTBOX Studio. 1 large studio and 2 medium sized studios. The central, medium sized studio is the control room. This control room houses our audio recording equipment, audio mastering equipment, a vinyl lathe and a video suite to edit and produce video content.

The second smaller studio and the larger studio can be used for music performance and rehearsals. These two studios are equipped with guitar amps, bass guitar amps, full drum kits, a PA, and materials such as whiteboards and markers to help assist artists with writing and rehearsing.

Located in the heart of Ōtautahi, Te Matatiki Toi Ora is an Aotearoa landmark – home to galleries, museums, cinemas, boutique retailers, eateries and bars, events, creative and educational organisations, hireable venues, accommodation and much more. It’s remarkable Gothic Revival style buildings provide space where arts, culture, education and creativity can thrive. Te Matatiki Toi Ora has a lively events programme featuring regular concerts, exhibitions, festivals, workshops, activities and more, providing stimulation and entertainment for all.

Positioned across a whole central city block, it houses New Zealand’s largest collection of category one listed historic buildings. The centre dates to 1877 when it housed Canterbury College (now the University of Canterbury). It also originally housed Christchurch Girls’ High and Christchurch Boys’ High schools. Since 1978 it has been The Arts Centre, an independent charitable trust for the people of Canterbury and its visitors.

Recognised nationally, and celebrated locally, for the depth of its work, the CSO believes that music can enrich lives in different ways and aims to share these experiences with as many people as possible through providing a wide range of ways in which our audiences can discover, encounter, and enjoy great musical experiences.

The orchestra contributes to the cultural diversity of the community through a full and varied concert season, as the orchestra of choice for many touring artists and other arts organisations, including the Royal New Zealand Ballet, and through its extensive Community Engagement programme, including school residencies, collaborations with other organisations such as Jolt Dance, library and retirement village performances, and at civic events.

In 2016 and 2019, the CSO received a Highly-Commended certificates in the Arts Access Awards for their collaboration with Christchurch dance company Jolt. The CSO won the 2021 Arts Access Aotearoa Community Award for its work in Christchurch Men’s Prison through the Platform programme.

The orchestra was also twice a finalist in the New York Festival Radio awards, along with Radio New Zealand, and, in 2020, won the gold award for the live broadcast of the CSO’s 2019 opening Lamb & Hayward Masterworks concert, Phoenix.

Ngā Kōrero Auaha – Creative stories is situated at Tūranga in the central city. 

A video and audio studio allows people to record their own stories and there is also an archive online of stories and interviews.

Where everyone can learn, make and design.

Our creative and learning spaces welcome everyone. It does not matter if you have just got started, or are reigniting a creative passion. We’re not experts in everything, but we’re here to help.

We have some amazing technology available around our Christchurch City Libraries – including vinyl printers and cutters, laser cutters, 3D printers, sewing machines, overlockers and embroidery machines, heat pressers, vacuum formers, craft cutters and badge makers.

Zealand. Since its inception in 1997, the organisation has been steadily building in size, reputation,

awareness, international participation and popularity within the Christchurch and South Island community

Hagley Dance Project is a year long, part time course that focuses on choreography, technique and performance.

The Hagley Writers’ Institute is a not-for-profit creative writing school for adults in Ōtautahi Christchurch.

Resourcefulness is creating what we need from what is around & within us, for the wellbeing of planet & people.

Rekindle creates opportunities for resourcefulness through craft in a variety of workshops and classes for everyone.

Ernest Rutherford mural  – by Dcypher/ XL Street Murals; Jacob Yikes; Ikarus DTR Crew

The Kunstautomat by Lars Kaiser is a unique art vending machine that dispenses one-of-a-kind artworks in a box for $6.00 each.

The Kunstautomat project is a collaboration between Toi Ōtautahi, Lars Kaiser and the Goethe Institut NZ.

The Central Art Gallery is a dealer gallery in Christchurch, New Zealand. We show established contemporary New Zealand artists with a desirable body of work, whilst always keeping our experienced eye on aspiring artists of the future.

We offer a beautiful and welcoming space that brings people and art together. Our philosophy is to create an uplifting gallery experience, demystifying the journey, and elevating the art.

The Central connects artists and the community. We value enjoyment through learning and will educate, challenge and seek to bring art into everyday conversations.

In its renowned venue, The Library Building within the Arts Centre, The Central hosts exhibition openings, artist talks and art groups.

Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o Waiwhetū is a catalyst for ambitious creativity in Ōtautahi Christchurch, collaborating with artists, and extending the Gallery’s influence beyond its walls.

Our focus is on investing in the creation of new work, from its inception through to its potential acquisition, and representing the Gallery’s programme in a new integrated way that reflects Christchurch now. Our collection is this city’s treasury of art, a pātaka of our history, a rich armoury of images, memories and ideas. It’s part of us, and it gets more interesting over time, as works of art connect with us and each other, combining with our histories to enrich us all

– Blair Jackson, Director

Fringe theatre on The Terrace.

Little A is a 100-seat indie theatre tucked away in the middle of Ōtautahi’s hottest nightlife, The Terrace. You’ll normally find a whole lot of new shows here every week – emerging professional artists with awesome ideas, and established artists performing new material.

Whether you want to see small intimate theatre productions, or come to our regular improv comedy show PERFUCT, or watch comedians play Dungeons and Dragons once a month, or see the country’s hottest comedians when they’re in Christchurch, or see music, dance, poetry… or even just come and hang out in the bar… we’re here for you.

Canterbury Patchwork and Quilting Guild promotes patchwork and quilting skills to all ages and cultural backgrounds through education, exhibitions and meetings in a supportive environment.

In 2017 NMG realised a long-term ambition to open a second gallery in Ōtautahi Christchurch. The new 250sqm space, designed in collaboration with award winning architects PRau, has allowed the gallery to broaden its curatorial programme.

NMG Christchurch is situated on the ground of Wynn Williams building on the corner of Montreal and Hereford Streets – within a block of the Christchurch Art Gallery.

The Centre of Contemporary Art Toi Moroki (CoCA) is a leading art gallery in Ōtautahi Christchurch, governed by the Canterbury Society of Arts Charitable Trust, and chartered with the objective to foster people’s connection and appreciation for the art of our time. CoCA presents a dynamic programme of exhibitions offering an expansive view of contemporary art and diverse cultural perspectives, supported by compelling, participatory arts experiences, within our gallery, across the community, and beyond.