New Online Directory Showcases Cultural Creativity in Nelson Tasman
23 September 2025
Whakatū Nelson, 23 September – Cultural Conversations is proud to announce the upcoming launch of Their Arts Journey, an exciting new online Arts Directory that celebrates and amplifies the voices of BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour) artists across the Nelson Tasman region that are often found outside the mainstream.
Funded by Creative New Zealand, this new platform shines a light on the vibrant and varied creative practices from within our communities—spanning visual arts, music, craft, and cultural storytelling. Their Arts Journey connects artists with art lovers, music venues, audiences, galleries, local councils, and businesses, providing a digital home where their work, stories, and performances can flourish.
The initiative was born from a recognition of the barriers many BIPOC artists face, including language challenges, financial hardship, and limited visibility in mainstream art systems. By offering a dedicated space online, as well as professional promotional support and networking opportunities, the Directory helps dismantle these barriers and builds stronger pathways toward recognition and financial independence.
Tanya Nock, Creative Director at Cultural Conversations, says:
“Many of the artists we work with are incredibly talented but often unseen in dominant arts spaces. Their Arts Journey is about ensuring their creativity is valued, visible, and celebrated—not as an add-on, but as a vital part of the arts community in Aotearoa.”
Artists already connected to Cultural Conversations—spanning cultural groups from Tangata Whenua, Argentina, China, Europe, Peru and Sri Lanka —are featured in the Directory. Over time, it will expand to include a wider range of artists from Nelson, Tasman and beyond.
The project has been developed through community-led co-design conversations and supported by professional photography by award winning documentary photographer Tatsiana Chypsanava and graphic designer Kate Garnyk; as well as outreach campaigns to maximise visibility. In addition to raising the profiles of BIPOC artists, the Directory will foster a sense of collaboration and community with the artists contributing to the Cultural Conversations kaupapa through commissions and events.
Lucia, a Peruvian artist featured in the Directory, shares:
“Cultural Conversations has opened doors to a beautiful community where goals can be achieved. Their Arts Journey is not only a platform to support a spotlight on my work but a place to connect and be inspired by others.”
Laura, a Spanish singer, songwriter and musician also featured in the Directory in the band ImmigranNZ Collective, says:
“Being part of the Arts Directory and supported by Cultural Conversations, means a lot to us as The ImmigranNZ Collective. It’s a space where we feel seen, heard, and genuinely welcomed by the community. This support not only uplifts our music but also honours the diverse stories we carry. It reminds us that we belong, and that our voices matter.”
Their Arts Journey officially launches 2 October with a community celebration in Nelson, at Godzilla Store followed by the online platform going live at https://www.culturalconversations.co.nz/their-arts-journey.
For more information about Their Arts Journey or to arrange interviews, please contact:
Amanda Brydon
BIPOC Art Directory Project Lead
Email: Amanda@culturalconversations.co.nz
Phone: 022 410 9002
About Cultural Conversations
Cultural Conversations is a Nelson-based community arts hub dedicated to fostering cultural understanding, inclusion, and creative expression. Through dialogue, performance, and artistic collaboration, it empowers individuals from diverse backgrounds to share their stories and strengthen community connections.
About Creative New Zealand
Creative New Zealand is a Crown entity governed by the Arts Council and dedicated to supporting and promoting the arts across the motu. Creative NZ focuses its efforts on funding, capability building, and advocacy to help artists, practitioners, and arts organisations thrive and connect with audiences at home and internationally.