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Central Otago District Arts Trust

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What's On in the Arts in Central Otago - March.

Alexandra Community Arts Presents Scholarship to Rising Band.

On Friday, the Alexandra Community Arts Committee formally awarded The Stolen Rings a $2,500 scholarship to support their musical development.

The scholarship will enable the young musicians to professionally record their original songs at Auckland’s renowned Roundhead Studios.

Band members Jay T McFadyen, Jimmy Naylor, Max Hollebon, and Josh Ballantine have funded much of their musical journey through after‑school and weekend jobs. Their music explores real‑world issues such as cyberbullying and the recent northern floods, drawing inspiration from iconic groups including Led Zeppelin, AC/DC, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Alexandra Community Arts spokesperson Shona Bain said the committee is delighted to support such committed young talent. “We’re incredibly proud to support these driven young musicians,” she said. “The Stolen Rings have demonstrated true commitment, creativity, and passion. They’re a fantastic example of what is being achieved in our community.”

The scholarship is funded through proceeds from Art in the Garden, the organisation’s main fundraiser, which will return on January 9 and 10, 2027. All money raised is reinvested into the local arts community to provide scholarships that help individuals and groups expand their creative skills.

Following their impressive second‑place finish in last year’s Smokefree Rockquest, The Stolen Rings are preparing to compete again this year. They also plan to “pay it forward” by inviting Year 9 bands to join them at future gigs, encouraging the next generation of young musicians to follow their dreams.

Scroll down to see more of What's On in the Arts in Central Otago in March.

What's On

Cromwell Heritage Precinct - Farmers Market.

Cromwell Heritage Precinct - Farmers Market.

Sat, 1 November 2025 - Thu, 30 April 2026 @ Every Sunday - 9am to 1pm.

Visit the Cromwell Farmers’ & Craft Market in the Cromwell Heritage Precinct …

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Central Stories Museum and Art Gallery - Floral Portraits by Rod Eales.

Central Stories Museum and Art Gallery - Floral Portraits by Rod Eales.

Sun, 1 February 2026 - Tue, 31 March 2026 @ 10am - 4pm Daily

Rod Eales invites you into her luminous world of floral portraits - where flowers become …

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Gallery 33 - February Exhibition 2026.

Gallery 33 - February Exhibition 2026.

Thu, 5 February 2026 - Tue, 3 March 2026 @ Monday to Friday 10 - 5.30. Saturday & Sunday 10 -

We warmly invite you to join us for the opening of our February exhibition opening.

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Entries Open. Central Otago Art Society, Easter Cash and Carry Exhibition, 2026.

Entries Open. Central Otago Art Society, Easter Cash and Carry Exhibition, 2026.

Wed, 25 February 2026 - Tue, 24 March 2026 @ Entries Close 24th March

Entries are now open for the Central Otago Art Society Easter Cash and Carry Exhibition …

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Central Stories Museum and Art Gallery - Jen Anderson.

Central Stories Museum and Art Gallery - Jen Anderson.

Sun, 1 March 2026 - Tue, 31 March 2026 @ 10am - 4pm Daily

A collection of works by Alexandra artist Jen Anderson is on show i the Heaphy Gallery …

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Ophir Peace Memorial Hall - Jackie Bristow and Mark Punch.

Ophir Peace Memorial Hall - Jackie Bristow and Mark Punch.

Fri, 6 March 2026 @ Doors Open 7pm

Nashville-based New Zealand singer-songwriter Jackie Bristow and Australian …

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Gallery Thirty Three - Cristina Popovici and Janna van Hasselt.

Gallery Thirty Three - Cristina Popovici and Janna van Hasselt.

Fri, 6 March 2026 - Mon, 6 April 2026 @ Daily

March opening, featuring new works by Cristina Popovici and Janna van Hasselt.

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Arts Central - Jackie Bristow and Mark Punch.

Arts Central - Jackie Bristow and Mark Punch.

Sat, 7 March 2026 @ Open 6.30pm for a 7,30pm start.

Nashville-based New Zealand singer-songwriter Jackie Bristow and Australian …

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Central Stories Museum and Art Gallery - Luca Ciarla Mediterramia.

Central Stories Museum and Art Gallery - Luca Ciarla Mediterramia.

Sat, 7 March 2026 @ 7pm.

Internationally renowned for his innovative blend of jazz, classical and Mediterranean …

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Central Cinema - Met Opera; La Boheme.

Central Cinema - Met Opera; La Boheme.

Sat, 7 March 2026 - Tue, 10 March 2026 @ March 7 at 1pm. March 10 at 1pm.

With its enchanting setting and spellbinding score, the world’s most popular opera …

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Orchard Gardens - Jazz in the Garden.

Orchard Gardens - Jazz in the Garden.

Sun, 8 March 2026 @ 1.30pm - 6pm

Love jazz? Join us for an afternoon of live music in the beautiful surroundings of …

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Arts Central - Arts on Tour NZ. Prima Facie.

Arts Central - Arts on Tour NZ. Prima Facie.

Wed, 18 March 2026 @ 7.30 - 9.30pm.

Tessa Ensler loves her job. She’s worked her way up from working-class background …

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Clyde Theatre Group - Death of a Doornail

Clyde Theatre Group - Death of a Doornail

Sat, 21 March 2026 - Sat, 28 March 2026 @ 7.30pm. Sunday Matinee at 2pm.

Death of a Doornail by Lee Mueller.

Eccentric Millionaire, Albert Doornale has invited all …

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Central Cinema - Tenor: My Name is Pati.

Central Cinema - Tenor: My Name is Pati.

Sun, 22 March 2026 - Wed, 1 April 2026 @ March 22, 2pm. Apri 1, 2pm.

This music-packed documentary tells the story of Pene Pati and his brother Amitai Pati, …

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Artē Collective - Airborne.

Artē Collective - Airborne.

Thu, 26 March 2026 - Wed, 22 April 2026 @ 10am - 5pm Daily.

Airborne invites viewer into moments of lift and longing, skies, wings and …

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Aspiring Conversations 2026 - Tickets for Sale Now!

Aspiring Conversations 2026 - Tickets for Sale Now!

Fri, 27 March 2026 - Sun, 29 March 2026

Experience an extended weekend of insightful ideas and kōrero about the things that …

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Ophir Peace Memorial Hall - Adam Hattaway.

Ophir Peace Memorial Hall - Adam Hattaway.

Sat, 11 April 2026 @ 7pm

Adam Hattaway is heading back out on the road, this time solo, with just a guitar, a …

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WS Hickey & Sons Woolstore Open Day.

WS Hickey & Sons Woolstore Open Day.

Sat, 18 April 2026 @ 10am

A fabulous day out showcasing all things wool. From Woolstore demos, to Central Otago …

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NZQA Top Art Exhibition 2026

NZQA Top Art Exhibition 2026

Wed, 20 May 2026 - Wed, 27 May 2026 @ 10am - 4pm Daily

Central Otago Arts is bringing the NZQA Top Art Exhibition 2026 to Central Otago.

Top Art …

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