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.

HOW TO EXHIBIT

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

Coming up

REFINERY ARTSPACE

Vulva Punch Needle Workshop

Make your own fluffly vulva broach with Jessica Hazel.

Saturday 11th October
11 AM - 1.30 PM
$65 per person

Book by emailing:
ditherandfluff@gmail.com

Booking essential as spaces are limited.

REFINERY ARTSPACE
&
NELSON ARTS FESTIVAL

Seasonal Agreement

Ōtautahi-based artist John Vea (Tonga, Aotearoa New Zealand) explores the complexities facing migrant workers working in Aotearoa in an exhibition at Refinery ArtSpace, curated by Nelson Arts Festival.

23rd October: Opening Night from 5 PM

25th October: Artist Talk with Chris Ulutupu at 12 PM

Free to attend

23rd October - 15th November 2025

FIND OUT MORE

REFINERY ARTSPACE
&
NELSON ARTS
FESTIVAL

FIND OUT MORE

REFINERY ARTSPACE
&
ARTS COUNCIL
NELSON

Talanoa for Young Creatives

A free roundtable session with visionary artist and educator, John Vea, for young creatives from 17-25. Relaxed, open kōrero with lunch.

We will get to hear about John’s journey as an artist and his creative practise, and we will also be shaping the session around the participants as they tell us what they want to explore in their time with him.

Friday 24 Oct from 10am to 1pm
(lunch included)

Limited spaces, please register to attend

REGISTER NOW

RAW ‘25

Submissions are open for RAW 2025, an exhibition for creative people who work outside the edge.

RAW aims to showcase works:

- created by people who have no formal or traditional art training
 
- that express individuality and inventiveness 

- that are ‘RAW’ – uncooked by cultural and artistic influences

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.

HOW TO EXHIBIT

ARCHIVE

Our archive is coming soon!

Social Media

Jessica Hazel | Vulva Last days to view this remarkable exhibition of tapestries by Whakatū based artist Jessica Hazel. "This exhibition is a celebration of the female form and an exploration of what it means to have a vulva. It's about embr
Lance Kerr | A View From Somewhere Last days to view this fabulous exhibition by Te Tai Poutini based artist Lance Kerr. "My work over the last five years has been in response to my first visit to Japan, where the old and new are integrated an
Makyla Curtis | Folding Time Textile Poetics Last days to view this gorgeous exhibition of hand bound books of poetry and and textile prints by Tāmaki Makaurau based artist Makyla Curtis MFA The misty layering of cotton-silk in Folding time: textil
Make your own fluffy vulva broach in this one-off workshop next Saturday 11th October with Jessica Hazel! Take inspiration from Jessica's latest exhibition, Vulva, at Refinery ArtSpace and learn how to Punch Needle. There are limited spaces, so book
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

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