New theatre company and gallery confirmed

We're continuing to reclaim our place in Christchurch's cultural landscape by welcoming two new arts tenants to the site. Innovative theatre company Two Productions and Jonathan Smart's new gallery The Central will open soon.

Outdoor Cinema this Friday

Almost 1,000 people joined us for the first Leighs Construction Summer Cinema and we hope to see you again this week. There's a prize for the best dressed Finding Nemo fan (5.30pm) followed by Goldfinger at 8pm.

It's World Buskers time!

After four years of setting up in Hagley Park, the World Buskers Festival returns to where the Busker Comedy Club all started – our very own beautifully restored North Quad.

Restoration pushing on

More than half of the site has now been restored and a number of other buildings are nearing completion. This picture shows original floorboards being reinstated in the Boys' High building that is partially open, with other spaces now being leased.

New Trust Board Chair

New Trust Board Chair Felicity Price is committed to the regeneration of the Arts Centre which she believes is the most significant public heritage site in Christchurch.

Rolleston statue returns

Almost six years after falling off his plinth, the William Rolleston statue (pictured hard right) is back outside Canterbury Museum and the corner looks much like it did at the turn of the century. See our then and now pics.

Observatory funding boost

Rātā Foundation has given $150,000 toward restoring our beloved Observatory Tower. The Arts Centre is facing a substantial funding shortfall to complete restoration so the grant is a huge boost to the project.

Rutherford's Den deals

There's plenty of time to enjoy the Rutherford's Den school holiday special that runs until the end of January. Explore fun, hands-on activities for all ages, plus check out the shop that is stocked with lots of new science-related games, books and activities.

Ali Harper at the Great Hall

Enjoy a glamorous and captivating afternoon while supporting the Friends of the Arts Centre by attending Ali Harper’s Legendary Divas at the Great Hall. The matinee performance is on Sunday 19 February and will feature music by the likes of Shirley Bassey, Dusty Springfield and Judy Garland.