Archived Events

From Irish fishermen to war veterans to LL Cool J and Run DMC bucket hats have risen from practical purpose, fishermen seeking cover from the rain to high fashion. Satisfy your inner style by coming along to craft yourself a new summer accessory and trying your hand at slow fashion. Saturday 28 January | 11:30am - 1:30pm | WHAKAARI

Join us as we explore the arts in a fun and engaging way. Led by established artists from around Aotearoa, each workshop enhances creativity and imagination through a range of activities.

In these workshops, we encourage you to unlearn all that you have been told and connect your playful side connect with your creativity.

An installation that mimics the form of three seaweeds, or macroalgae. This installation is thought-provoking, meticulously hand-cut and dyed, the seaweeds writhe and curl like their natural forms. They are constructed from man-made materials and the end result is visually appealing with the strips of nylon full of small bumps and realistic holes.

Mixed media including tin, glass, variety of plastic rubbish. Shane Woolridge has created Until the Last Drop, 2022 as a local response to British photographer Mandy Barker’s SHELF-LIFE. A work which is made from rubbish collected in Arrowtown.

A series of photographs by international award-winning British artist Mandy Barker highlighting the impact of society’s reliance on plastic and the damage it causes to marine life and, ultimately, ourselves. 5 December – 24 January | WHAKAARI

Nature journaling is a wonderful creative practice for connecting with our natural environments through observational drawing, painting, and writing. Beginners are welcome. This is the perfect follow-up class to Beginners Botanical art. Saturday 21 January - Sunday 22 January | 10am - 3pm both days

An exhibition with the Silver Smiths of studio38. A celebration of the hoop earring. Fashioned and worn for millennia, once part of the ensemble of Kings and Queens, a statement of confidence and diversity, its natural organic circular form symbolises wholeness, unity, and infinity.

Botanical art is a beautiful classic art practice for those who love nature, gardening, botany, science and art! Tabatha focuses on the elegant tradition of botanical art, and she takes her students through a little of that history - particularly in its New Zealand context. Wednesday 18 January - Thursday 19 January | 10am - 3pm for both days

In this workshop, you will learn to eco-print using local plant materials and an iron-based mordant. This method creates clear, dark leaf prints, and is suitable for cellulose fabric – perfect for upcycling clothing or creating original fabric! Saturday 14 January | 9:30am - 12:30pm and 2pm - 5pm | MAHI TAHI

Join us as we get into the Christmas spirit! Led by accredited Art teacher Michelle, each workshop enhances your child’s creativity and imagination. Ages 5-12. Monday – Thursday. All materials provided (Please note children will be supervised during lunch break only if signed onto All Day programme. Please provide a packed lunch).

Come along to our Young Picassos Afterschool Art Programme. Lisa Duncan is a professional and qualified artist and teacher who understands how to inspire and draw out the best of a child's creative potential whilst having fun and producing quality artwork.

Come along to our Youthtown Afterschool Programme where we create a fun environment for creative learning. Every Wednesday 3:30pm - 5pm - Ages 5-8. Every Thursday - 3:30pm - 5pm - Ages 9 and 12. REGISTRATIONS ARE ESSENTIAL.

Join us for an afternoon where we explore a variety of mediums and art forms. Led by accredited art teacher Michelle, these workshops will offer a variety of ways to have fun in the Arts. Tuesdays 3:30pm - 5pm - ages 13 -18 - FREE.

Explore innovative ways to up-cycle waste and found materials into unique wearable designs led by jewellery designer Kay Turner. Make your own pair of sterling silver hoops embellished with recycled plastic. Saturday 10 December | 10am - 12pm | MAHI TAHI | $40

Two perspectives championing environmental change through art. Join Anny Tubbs and Martin Hill as they discuss the topic of art as a platform to champion sustainable and positive change. Saturday 10 December | 10am | WHAKAARI | Free

Celebrate the festive season and shop local this Christmas with our late-night Christmas shopping night!

Try out or improve your pottery skills! Tuesday mornings, 10am-12pm & Thursday evenings, 6-8pm | TE PĀ MATAPAIA

A selection of video, photography and painting by local and international artists reflecting solitude and togetherness - the key themes of the 2022 At the World's Edge (AWE) Festival. 1 October - 28 November 2022.

Tuatahi Creatives present an exhibition exploring the natural world through the artistic expressions of contemporary Māori artists from Aotearoa. 28 October – 23 November | WHAKAARI

The Queenstown Writers Festival is a biennial boutique festival that brings writers and readers together to celebrate the written word in many forms. At this spring event novelists, poets, short-story writers, children’s writers and non-fiction writers talk about books, share their stories and lead writing workshops. 11 November - 13 November

Living Within Our Limits: Green Growth vs Degrowth, 28 October, 5:30-7:30pm | PUĀWAI

Food For Thought: Creating Resilient Food Systems, 25 October 2022, 5:30-7:30pm | PUĀWAI

A show romancing the music of two of the greatest trumpet players ever to walk the earth. From passionate ballads, raging swing tempos, to cool muted grooves with a funky connotation. A modern glimpse into the life and times of these two innovators. If you love Miles Davis and Chet Baker or just beautiful jazz you will enjoy this. Saturday 22 October, 7:30pm | PUĀWAI

Mīharo is proud to present an exhibition that celebrates the work of early childhood tamariki through to high school rangatahi based on the theme ‘Legends of our Lands, our people, our places, our stories.’ 30 September – 21 October | WHAKAARI

Join us as we explore the Arts in a fun and engaging way. Led by accredited Art teacher Michelle, each programme enhances creativity and imagination through a range of activities. Ages 5-12 Monday – Friday 9am - 3.30pm All materials provided – please bring a packed lunch.

A journey of sight and sound, of solitude and togetherness, of wonder and awe through six intertwined programmes, free Queenstown events and AWE Community performances. Take your place At the World’s Edge this October.

Join us as we explore movement in this four-day contemporary, street dance workshop. Led by contemporary dance artists Ooshcon and Jahra Wasasala (CONJAH), this programme will enable young people to embrace body language as their first language. No experience required. Tuesday 11 October - Friday 14 October, 11am - 3pm. $10 | KAPA TAHI

Drop by and meet Te Atamira staff, artists and special guests for informal talks about current exhibitions and events over a cuppa. Every Thursday morning at 10:30 | MANAAKI NUI.

Join us as we explore the Arts in a fun and engaging way. Each programme enhances creativity and imagination through a range of activities. FREE Ages 13 - 18 Tuesday - Thursday 12pm - 2pm

Are you interested in designing arts programmes and creative production? Perhaps you would like to know more about how to turn an idea into a reality? If this sounds like you, come and join our Creative Producers group. 13-18 year olds, Fridays at 3:30 (term-time only). FREE - registration is required.

The Queenstown Embroiderers’ Guild presents a selection of their work alongside four panels from the Tapestry Trust of New Zealand’s ongoing project New Zealand: A History in Stitch. 19-29 September | MANAAKI NUI

Come along to our Youthtown Afterschool Programme where we create a fun environment for creative learning. Every Wednesday 3:30pm - 5pm - Ages 5-8. Every Thursday - 3:30pm - 5pm - Ages 9 and 12. REGISTRATIONS ARE ESSENTIAL.

Come and join Nat Perks for a cosy afternoon of embroidery - go slow, chill and create together. Saturday, 24 September, 1-4pm | MAHI TAHI

The Queenstown Salsa Festival is back for a second year from the 15th of September to the 18th of September 2022.

6 - 24 August - showcase of artwork created by students in Years 5 to 6; 30 August - 17 September, Years 7 & 8, produced through the Three Lakes Cultural Trust Arts in Schools programme 2022 | MANAAKI NUI

An exhibition with works by printmakers Kyla Cresswell, Emma Kitson and Kim Lowe, exploring the artists’ connections to Southland and celebrating Murihiku, the great Southern Mother. 6 August - 14 September | WHAKAARI

DramaLAB’s award winning solo show Solitude is about the hidden life of Annie Chaffey. In 1913 Annie fled into the remote Kahurangi Nat Park with her lover Henry where she spent forty years in raw exile. Martine Baanvinger brings you this remarkable true NZ story in an incredibly imaginative and touching way. Sunday 11 September, 7pm | PUĀWAI

Fiona Clark: Unafraid, dir. Lula Cucchiara (2021). Film screening followed by talk and Q & A with renowned NZ photographer and social documentarian Fiona Clark. Sunday 28 August, 3pm | PUĀWAI

Learn the process of creating a drypoint and printing by hand on an etching press. Create your own prints and learn how to add colour. Saturday 27 August and Sunday 28 August, 10am-12pm | MAHI TAHI

Come and join Mark, Lizzie. Elis, Andy and Teegs as they explore the slightly weird but very wonderful world of Radiohead - a Te Atamira Nights Concert. Saturday 27 August, 7pm | PUĀWAI

The Eastern with guests and friends Tom Maxwell & The Killergrams. Sunday 21 August | 7pm - 9pm | PUĀWAI

Five songwriters, Louis Koopman, Violet Hirst, Katy Anderson, Margaret O'Hanlon and Pol Nicholson, trade songs in this experiment of creation. Friday 19 August, 7 - 8:30 pm | PUĀWAI

Get a taster of our upcoming after-school programmes with this series of free open workshops. REGISTRATIONS ARE ESSENTIAL.

Film screening of the acclaimed Footnote NZ Dance Company's touring work Dry Spell, followed by Q & A with dancers. Tuesday 16 August, 6:30pm | PUĀWAI

Creative Queenstown and Queenstown Writers' Festival with Arts on Tour proudly present Mad Doggerel Cabaret - Two poets and a musician combine to present a comic and lyric portrait of Aotearoa New Zealand and its place in the South Pacific today. Sunday 14 August, 7.30pm | PUĀWAI

Join us as we take inspiration from the works of illustrator, Sally Payne and create a mixed media masterpiece! 10 August, 3.30-5pm. FREE | MAHI TAHI

Ōtautahi-based artist Kim Lowe is hosting an exploratory workshop in Chinese ink and brush techniques. Sunday 7 August, 11am - 1pm | MAHI TAHI

Find out more about the work of kaiwhakairo Steve Solomon who will be working in MANAAKI NUI Tuesdays – Saturdays 10am – 4pm, 14 July - 4 August.

Eight-channel sound installation by Auckland-based artist and musician Rachel Shearer (Pākehā, Rongowhakaata, Te Aitanga a Māhaki). 12-31 July | WHAKAARI. Artist's talk: Tuesday 12 July, 10.30am. **EXTENDED UNTIL 3 AUGUST**

MILK Bottle People, organised by Frankton Library, is a series of community art workshops culminating in an exhibition from 15 June to 31 July | MANAAKI MAI. Opening event: Wednesday 15 June, 6-8pm.

FRIDAY SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAMME - WHAM! ZAP! POW! In this programme children will cast loose their inner superhero, cape included. Ages 6-12 9.00am - 3.30pm ($50 (bring along a white t-shirt, all other materials provided).

THURSDAY SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAMME - Explore identity through the eyes of an artist. Children will examine the works of contemporary portrait artists Chris Ofili and Teesha Moore, as they inspect portraiture with a twist. With guest talk from local carver Steve Solomon, children will reflect on the theme of Taonga as they create meaningful trinkets. Ages 6-12 9.00am - 3.30pm $50 (all materials provided).

WEDNESDAY SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAMME - Explore rhythm and skip to the beat. In this programme, children will explore sound and movement through a variety of mediums. Ages 6-12 9.00am - 3.30pm ($50 all materials provided)

TUESDAY SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAMME - Transform the world as you know it as you delve into the life of a monster. Create freaky sidekicks in clay and textiles and explore body movement as you step into the role of a creepy creature. Ages 6-12 9.00am - 3.30pm $50 (bring along an empty tin can to upcycle, all other materials provided)

MONDAY SCHOOL HOLIDAY PROGRAMME - Celebrate the rise of Matariki in the winter skies with us! Children will explore a range of constructing techniques as they design and make a range of kites, stars and lanterns. Ages 6-12 9.00am-3.30pm $50 (bring along a white t-shirt to upcycle, all other materials provided)

Arrowtown-based weaver Jasmine Clark will be working in our project space, MANAAKI NUI, Mondays – Fridays between 23 June and 10 July, 11am – 3pm.

***SOLD OUT*** Spend a day learning to weave NZ flax/harakeke and create your own beautiful Waikawa storage basket. This technique uses whole flax leaves to create a large strong practical basket. Saturday 9 July, 10am-4pm | MANAAKI NUI

***SOLD OUT*** Working with rattan vine and other found and recycled materials you will learn the art of random weaving, creating one-of-a-kind baskets and wall sculptures. Sunday 3 July, 10am - 4pm | MANAAKI NUI

Bailee Lobb’s exhibition In Bathing, Bask is an installation of large, brightly coloured inflatable sculptures, transforming the gallery into an immersive and playful environment.

Using recycled copper wire you will learn techniques to create and weave beautiful feathers and baskets. Sunday 26 June, 10am-4pm | MANAAKI NUI ***SOLD OUT***

In these fun workshops guided by Ngāi Tahu artist Emma Kitson, participants will create their own Matariki bunting to take home using simple relief printmaking techniques. Saturday 25 June at 10am - 12pm & 2pm - 4pm | MAHI TAHI

Our winter season begins with a variety of community-oriented, whānau-friendly workshops and events to celebrate Māori new year. 24 – 25 June.

Celebrate Matariki by joining Cory Ratahi with Ngā Manu Hou for a community waiata singalong! Saturday 25 June at 3pm. FREE - no booking required.

Visiting Moana multidisciplinary artists Jahra Wasasala and Ooshcon (collectively known as CONJAH) present an open movement workshop. Friday 24 June, 10am - 12pm | KAPA TAHI

Screening of the short film Wound (2020), dir. Frances Carter, followed by a talanoa (conversation) with artist and world-builder Jahra Wasasala on their embodiment process. (Film contains flashing images). Friday 24 June, 2pm | PUĀWAI.

Bring along your imagination to make colourful winter kites to celebrate Matariki! Drop in between 10am and 2pm, Friday 24 June | MAHI TAHI

Your instructor will show you how to make a plate or bowl using a mould and then decorate it with coloured slips and underglazes. Friday 24 June, 10am - 12pm | TE PĀ MATAPAIA

The OneBike team presents a mystery twilight bike coinciding with our first Matariki holiday. Meet at Te Atamira from 3pm on Friday 24 June.

Keen to volunteer? Come to this expo hosted by Volunteer South and The Kiwi Kit Community Trust, to meet many different groups and charitable trusts seeking volunteers! Tuesday 21 June 430-6pm. Everyone welcome!

A selection of recent artists’ films from around the globe. Fridays - Sundays from 20 May - 19 June, 10am - 4pm.

Free weekly sound-bathing and mindful movement sessions with Te Atamira resident artists Sunny Sky (Mondays at 5:30pm) and Anna Stuart (Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 2:15).

Exhibition celebrating 60 years of the Queenstown Art Society.

Join us at 11am on Tuesday 7 June either in person at Te Atamira or online for a conversation with highly acclaimed American dancer and choreographer Jamar Roberts.

Pivotal Point is a charitable trust that was established last year to help support neurodiverse tamariki and their whānau within the Whakatipu Basin. Mondays at 10am - 16, 23, 30 May & 6 June.

Somnia: Multi-media show by Queenstown band EchoKnot, supported by Estrogen. Friday 3 June & Saturday 4 June - Doors open: 7pm.

Talk with artist Bailee Lobb about her work and current exhibition at Te Atamira. Sunday 29 May, 11am

Audiences are invited into the Art Chemist for a ‘consultation’ where they will be prescribed paintings, sculptures or creative undertakings to soothe their ailments – be they physical, emotional or existential. Saturday 28 May - Sunday 29 May, 10am-4pm.

Shibori dying workshop with artist Bailee Lobb - Saturday 28 May, 10am-1pm.

Original piano compositions, blues guitar and folk songs by local musician David Bell. Saturday 28 May - Doors open 7pm.

Milly and Taylor dive into the often neglected world of female artists in the music world. Friday 27 May - Doors open 7pm.

Wellness workshop by physiotherapist and breathing coach Emma Ferris, director of The Breath Effect. Sunday 22 May at 6pm.

'Many Dates, Many Lessons' - a musical journey by singer-songwriter Oliveye. Saturday 21 May - Doors open at 7pm.

Young local singer-songwriter Billie Carey performs an array of past and new material. Friday 20 May - Doors open 7pm.