Exhibitions

REFINERY ARTSPACE

We stimulate and strengthen the artistic and cultural life of Whakatu, through a diverse programme of contemporary exhibitions, projects and events.

Comprising three adaptable gallery spaces and two large workshop facilities, Refinery ArtSpace is also the home to the Arts Council Nelson Team.

Our Current Exhibitions

REFINERY ARTSPACE

A View from Somewhere

Lance Kerr's latest exhibition 'A View from Somewhere' explores the resonance between buddhism and postmodern deconstruction, inspired by his first visit to Japan..

Opening Monday 15th September at 5 PM.

15th September—18th October

REFINERY ARTSPACE

Folding Time: Textile Poetics

Makyla Curtis presents her solo show 'Folding Time: Textile Poetics' developing kinship with plant-life and notions of rootedness and belonging in misty layers of cotton-silk.

Opening Monday 15th September at 5 PM.

15th September—18th October

REFINERY ARTSPACE

Vulva

Jessica Hazel's exhibition 'Vulva' is a celebration of 'sensations in fluff.' It explores a powerful symbol of identity, femininity and sexuality through tapestry and rug fibre art.

Opening Monday 15th September at 5 PM.

15th September—18th October

EXHIBITIONS

Last year we hosted over 30 solo and group exhibitions and special events bringing over 14,659 people through our doors. We supported 293 exhibiting artists and brought 3,626 members of the community through events in our workshop space.

Find out more about participating in our exhibition programme or holding a community arts event.

ARCHIVE

Our archive is coming soon!

Social Media

Take a closer look.... 🧐 This month our exhibitions are full of texture: bold brush strokes, soft silks and On now until Image 1: Lance Kerr Image 2: Makyla Curtis Image 3: Jessica Hazel Images by @eli_cliche
We had a fantastic opening night this week for three new exhibitions in our gallery spaces! Thanks to everyone who came to celebrate with us. Come into the gallery next week to check out Jessica Hazel's tufted vulvas, Makyla Curtis' delicate botanic
Opening Monday at 5 30 PM, Makyla Curtis presents her solo show 'Folding Time: Textile Poetics' developing kinship with plant-life and notions of rootedness and belonging in misty layers of cotton-silk. Makyla was the Supreme Winner of Changing Thre
Opening on Monday at 5.30 PM, Lance Kerr's latest exhibition 'A View from Somewhere' explores the resonance between buddhism and postmodern deconstruction, inspired by his first visit to Japan. Join us on Monday 15th September for opening night, alo
Calling local artists! Our latest exhibition, KŌPŪ, has multiple opportunities for Māori practitioners to get involved in city projects. Pop in to the gallery to find out more! Open Saturdays 10 am - 2 pm.
KŌPŪ is an awesome exhibition for tamariki! Alongside a colouring competition designed by Matt Tait (pictured), there's also an interactive playground design, inviting kids to feed into a future playspace in Whakatū. Open 10-4 weekdays, and 10-2 o
Get down to KŌPŪ @kopu.whakatu this week, our latest exhibition facilitating vital kōrero about bringing Toi Māori into public art spaces in Whakatū, and revitalising our city. KŌPŪ is an invitation - to interact, feedback, create and collaborate. T
Kōpū opens Tuesday to the public! Immerse yourself in new ideas about public art and public spaces with a showcase of Māori design reshaping the city. Pop in from 10 AM to check it out! Photography: Naomi Aporo-Manihera
Have you tried our new audio tours? 🎧 As part of this work to expand our accessible offerings at Refinery Artspace, we are trialing new audio tours of our exhibitions. Artist Robin Slow worked with Gallery Manager, Janja Heathfield, to create an a
Opening this month at Refinery ArtSpace! Kōpū is a a showcase of Māori design reshaping the city. This is an exhibition you won't want to miss! Opening Monday 11th August - see you there 🤩

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