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Central Otago District Arts Trust

Hello

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

 

Summer is the perfect time to check out the Central Otago Arts Trail. The Arts Trail offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the region's vibrant arts scene by visiting galleries and meeting talented artists in their studios. You can also explore a variety of sculptures and murals throughout the area, each with an interesting backstory. Whether you are a passionate art lover, a collector of fine pieces, or simply seeking inspiration, the Central Otago Arts Trail promises a captivating journey that can be tailored to your schedule. By venturing off the beaten path, you'll uncover the hidden gems that inspire the local creative communities, providing a deeper understanding of the artistic influences that shape this unique region.

Why not combine your journey along the Arts Trail with a visit to the five museums across Central Otago? Following the successful launch of the 'Central Otago in 100 Objects Exhibition', the Central Otago Museums Trust is excited to announce a family-focused initiative: 'The Hunt for History Passport'. This passport invites children under 12 to explore the exhibition in a fun and engaging way. From the thrill of buried treasure to the intrigue of a daring robbery - and even a 130-year-old wedding cake - the exhibition showcases 100 must-see collection items. These objects, held by the five public museums across Central Otago, tell important stories of the district's rich history, creating a heritage trail of discovery. Passport activities are designed around these fascinating objects. Young participants can complete four fun activities at each museum to earn a stamp on their passport. Collect stamps from all five museums to win great prizes. Passports will be available for collection from the five participating museums just before Christmas. Stay tuned to the Museums Central Otago Facebook page or visit www.museumscentralotago.org.nz for more information.

Finally, a bit of politics: we are not the only country where school curricula are being restructured to prioritise core subjects at the expense of creativity. The Royal Academy of Art in London states, “The arts are being squeezed out—and it’s frightening to think about losing the mind-expanding, question-prompting, wild creativity, and confidence they can bring to classrooms.”
Even the London tube stations have joined the call, featuring advertisements such as, “That job description is missing the word ‘artist,’” “We need more square pegs,” and “Imagination is worth teaching.” This is a reminder to our leaders that the arts are essential, not optional.
Our Arts, Culture, and Heritage Minister, Paul Goldsmith, has produced a document called Amplify—a draft of a national creative and cultural strategy for 2024-2030. It outlines actions the government can take to promote a future where New Zealand becomes a global creative powerhouse.
Our Trust has reviewed this document and determined that it deserves more thorough consideration. We are actively formulating our response and feedback, which is due by December 15th. You can do the same. Click HERE to find out more.

Have a very Merry Christmas and enjoy everything on in the arts in Central Otago. 

What's On

Central Cinema - Coming up.

Central Cinema - Coming up.

Mon, 1 January 2024 - Tue, 31 December 2024 @ Daily.

To see the best films in our cosy cinema in central Alexandra go to

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Clyde Cinema - Coming up.

Clyde Cinema - Coming up.

Mon, 1 January 2024 - Tue, 31 December 2024 @ Daily.

This lovely boutique cinema in Clyde offers a fine selection of up-to-date screenings in …

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Roxburgh Cinema - Coming Up.

Roxburgh Cinema - Coming Up.

Mon, 1 January 2024 - Tue, 31 December 2024 @ Daily

Showing movies since 1897, the Roxburgh Cinema is one of the longest-running cinemas in …

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Queenstown Arts Society - Laneway Showcase.

Queenstown Arts Society - Laneway Showcase.

Tue, 23 April 2024 - Tue, 31 December 2024

QAS Laneway Showcase 
This is a permanent exhibition space within the main foyer area …

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Open Now! - Gone Potty.

Open Now! - Gone Potty.

Fri, 27 September 2024 - Tue, 31 December 2024 @ Daily but call first just in case!

Gone Potty is now open!

Bridget has recently returned to Central Otago and opened her new …

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Open Now! - Rachel Hirabayashi Gallery + Emporium.

Open Now! - Rachel Hirabayashi Gallery + Emporium.

Sat, 12 October 2024 - Tue, 31 December 2024 @ Daily

Rachael Hirabayashi Gallery + Emporium is now open in the Heritage Precinct in Cromwell.

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Central Otago Museums 100 Exhibition.

Central Otago Museums 100 Exhibition.

Thu, 17 October 2024 - Wed, 30 April 2025 @ Daily

Five museums across Central Otago have each selected 20 objects that tell fascinating …

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Central Otago Arts Trail 2024/25.

Central Otago Arts Trail 2024/25.

Thu, 24 October 2024 - Fri, 24 October 2025 @ Daily

The Central Otago Arts Trail is a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the region's …

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Cromwell Farmers' and Craft Market.

Cromwell Farmers' and Craft Market.

Sun, 27 October 2024 - Sun, 6 April 2025 @ Sundays, 9am - 1pm.

Visit the Cromwell Farmers’ and Craft Market within the Cromwell Heritage …

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The Cleveland National Art Awards - Applications Open.

The Cleveland National Art Awards - Applications Open.

Thu, 31 October 2024 - Fri, 24 January 2025

Applications are open now for The Otago Art Society: The Cleveland National Art …

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Lakes District Museum - 30x30 Small Works Summer Exhibition.

Lakes District Museum - 30x30 Small Works Summer Exhibition.

Thu, 14 November 2024 - Sun, 26 January 2025 @ Daily

The third annual 30x30 Small Works Summer Exhibition at the Lakes District Museum. This …

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Central Stories Museum and Art Gallery - “To Travel" by Rachel Hirabayashi.

Central Stories Museum and Art Gallery - “To Travel" by Rachel Hirabayashi.

Mon, 18 November 2024 - Mon, 30 December 2024 @ 10am - 4pm Daily

To travel is to engage in a visual feast.

It is the recalling of working in her sketchbook …

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Alexandra Summer Markets

Alexandra Summer Markets

Sat, 23 November 2024 - Sat, 1 February 2025 @ 10am - 2pm

Weekly summer markets in Pioneer Park each Saturday.

Come along for music, food and craft …

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Call for proposals – Visiting Artist Programme.

Call for proposals – Visiting Artist Programme.

Mon, 25 November 2024 - Sun, 2 February 2025 @ Applications Open Now

The newly established Visiting Artist Programme of Te Whare Toi o Heretaunga Hastings Art …

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Artbay Gallery - Virut 2024.

Artbay Gallery - Virut 2024.

Mon, 2 December 2024 - Fri, 31 January 2025 @ 11am - 5pm, 7days

Born in 1980 in Bangkok, Thailand, Virut Panchabuse emerged as a prominent figure in the …

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Artbay Gallery - Group Exhibition. Dec 2024 - Jan 2025.

Artbay Gallery - Group Exhibition. Dec 2024 - Jan 2025.

Mon, 2 December 2024 - Fri, 31 January 2025 @ 10am - 5pm Daily

Artbay Gallery houses an evolving collection of contemporary artwork by renowned national …

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Black Rabbit Cafe Exhibition Series - Sue Ellen Boag.

Black Rabbit Cafe Exhibition Series - Sue Ellen Boag.

Mon, 2 December 2024 - Fri, 31 January 2025 @ Daily

A successful commercial photographer she put her camera away ten years ago and now, in …

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Gallery 33 - Summer Series 2024/25.

Gallery 33 - Summer Series 2024/25.

Fri, 6 December 2024 - Fri, 31 January 2025 @ Daily

Gallery thirty three is proud to present our annual Summer Series exhibition, showcasing …

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Central Cinema - National Theatre Live: "The Motive and the Cue".

Central Cinema - National Theatre Live: "The Motive and the Cue".

Tue, 10 December 2024 - Sun, 15 December 2024 @ Dec 10th at 2pm. Dec 15th at 5pm.

Sam Mendes (The Lehman Trilogy) directs Mark Gatiss as John Gielgud and Johnny Flynn as …

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Jolendale Park Christmas Trail.

Jolendale Park Christmas Trail.

Tue, 10 December 2024 - Tue, 31 December 2024 @ Daily

Come and experience a magical 1.3km Christmas trail filled with festive cheer and …

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Arrowtown Creative Arts Society - Save the Date.

Arrowtown Creative Arts Society - Save the Date.

Thu, 12 December 2024

The Arrowtown Creative Arts Society is excited to announce our second Art Before Dark …

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Central Stories Museum and Art Gallery - Christmas Artisan Market.

Central Stories Museum and Art Gallery - Christmas Artisan Market.

Sat, 14 December 2024 @ 10am - 2pm

Located at Central Stories Museum and Art Gallery in conjunction with the outside markets …

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Orchard Garden and Cafe - "The Colours of Music".

Orchard Garden and Cafe - "The Colours of Music".

Sun, 15 December 2024 @ 12 - 2pm

Join singer/songwriter Liz Conway and visual artist Marion Worch at the Orchard Garden …

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Central Cinema - Met Opera: "Grounded".

Central Cinema - Met Opera: "Grounded".

Tue, 17 December 2024 @ 1pm

Tony Award–winning composer Jeanine Tesori’s powerful new opera Grounded …

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Central Stories Museum and Art Gallery - Nexus: Connecting Art Communities Through Collaboration

Central Stories Museum and Art Gallery - Nexus: Connecting Art Communities Through Collaboration

Sat, 21 December 2024 - Sun, 26 January 2025 @ 10am - 4pm Daily

Prepare to be captivated by the Nexus art exhibition, a remarkable collaboration between …

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Hunt for History - The Museums Passport Challenge.

Hunt for History - The Museums Passport Challenge.

Wed, 25 December 2024 - Wed, 30 April 2025 @ Daily

Following the successful launch of the 'Central Otago in 100 Objects Exhibition', the …

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"Leave the World Behind" by Marion Vialade-Worch.

"Leave the World Behind" by Marion Vialade-Worch.

Wed, 1 January 2025 - Fri, 31 January 2025 @ Daily

In January 2025, visual artist Marion Vialade-Worch will be showcasing her latest …

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Central Stories Museum and Art Gallery - "Half Light" Rennie Pearson and Bob McNeill.

Central Stories Museum and Art Gallery - "Half Light" Rennie Pearson and Bob McNeill.

Sat, 11 January 2025 @ 7.30pm.

Half Light - An Enchanting Evening of Celtic Music

Prepare to be swept away by the …

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Art in the Garden 2025.

Art in the Garden 2025.

Sat, 11 January 2025 - Sun, 12 January 2025 @ 9.30am - 3.30pm.

Art in the Garden is a biennial event in Alexandra. Enjoy two days of art immersion set …

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Taiari Wai River Fest.

Taiari Wai River Fest.

Sat, 18 January 2025 @ 12 noon - 5pm

Featuring Tess Liautaud, Jessie Shanks, Skin and Bone, Mads Harrop. Food, kids activities …

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