
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
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
REFINERY ARTSPACE
&
NELSON ARTS
FESTIVAL
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
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.
ARCHIVE
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