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Central Otago District Arts Trust

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

Summer in Central Otago is the perfect time to embrace the region’s vibrant creative energy. Our galleries, studios, and community spaces are bustling with exhibitions, open studios, live music, performances, markets, and fetes.

As we approach the end of 2025, it’s a great opportunity to reflect on what has been a busy and rewarding year for the arts in Central Otago. From exhibitions to community workshops and a wide range of other fantastic events, the region’s creative scene has continued to grow in both diversity and participation. The support from local artists, volunteers, organisations, and audiences has made this an engaging and eventful year for arts and culture in our community.

Among this summer season’s events is Shirley Horrocks’ new feature documentary about songwriter Don McGlashan, one of Aotearoa’s most enduring creative voices. The film traces McGlashan’s life and work, starting with his early days in the post-punk band Blam Blam Blam, and continuing through his involvement with The Front Lawn and The Mutton Birds, both of which played significant roles in shaping New Zealand rock in the 1990s. The documentary highlights the blend of wit, humanity, and emotional honesty found in McGlashan’s songs, creating a portrait that is both nostalgic and insightful. A local screening at Central Cinema will give Central Otago audiences a chance to explore the cultural history behind his music.

Central Stories Museum and Art Gallery in Alexandra will host the launch of "Vincent Pyke - Goldfields Gladiator" by Russell Garbutt on Sunday, December 14, at 6:30 PM. This event will celebrate one of the most intriguing figures in Otago and Victorian history. Pyke’s political foresight and relentless drive significantly impacted both regions, including his efforts to draft goldfields legislation, advocate for the Otago Central Railway, and explore the Haast Pass in hopes of linking the east and west.
Garbutt, whose broadcasting career spanned from DNTV-2 in the 1960s to Natural History New Zealand and the University of Otago, now focuses on a man who, in his words, “made things happen.” Light refreshments will be served. If you wish to attend this book launch, RSVP to [email protected] by December 12.

Summer is the ideal season to explore the Central Otago Arts Trail. Take the time to travel the region's back roads and check out some fantastic stores, studios and galleries. Meet artists at work, discover unique local pieces, and experience the spirit that defines our creative community. You can stay informed by following the Central Otago Arts Facebook page and on Instagram @artcentralotago for updates.

If you’re new to the area or have recently established a creative space, whether in painting, printmaking, photography, design, ceramics, jewellery, or any other art form, we’d love to hear from you. Get in touch at [email protected] to learn more about joining our Arts Trail community.

Have a very merry Christmas!

What's On

Youth Arts Central Otago - Subscribe Now.

Youth Arts Central Otago - Subscribe Now.

Fri, 6 June 2025 - Wed, 31 December 2025

Welcome to Youth Arts in Central Otago

Central Otago Arts is thrilled to introduce our …

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Artbay - Lightworx Gallery.

Artbay - Lightworx Gallery.

Wed, 9 July 2025 - Wed, 31 December 2025 @ 11am - 5pm Daily.

We welcome you to Lightworx Gallery. With clean minimal lines, concrete floors and …

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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 - Late Night Christmas Shopping.

Central Stories - Late Night Christmas Shopping.

Fri, 28 November 2025 - Fri, 19 December 2025 @ 4pm - 8pm.

Friday 28 November, 4–8pm
Friday 19 December, 4–8pm

Santa will be in his …

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Alexandra Summer Markets - 2025/ 26

Alexandra Summer Markets - 2025/ 26

Sat, 29 November 2025 - Sun, 22 February 2026 @ 10am - 2pm

Weekly summer markets in Pioneer Park each Saturday.

Come along for music, food and craft …

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Central Stories Museum and Art Gallery - Jo Jago.

Central Stories Museum and Art Gallery - Jo Jago.

Mon, 1 December 2025 - Wed, 31 December 2025 @ 10am - 4pm Daily

Artist Jo Jago presents a captivating solo exhibition celebrating coastal beauty, vibrant …

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Gallery Thirty Three - Summer Series.

Gallery Thirty Three - Summer Series.

Mon, 1 December 2025 - Sat, 31 January 2026 @ Mon - Fri: 10am - 5.30pm Sat & Sun: 10am - 4pm

Gallery Thirty Three is proud to present this dynamic showcase of new works from many of …

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Black Rabbit Show Series - Angela Marshall.

Black Rabbit Show Series - Angela Marshall.

Mon, 1 December 2025 - Sat, 28 February 2026 @ Daily

Our artist for the next three months is Angela Marshall, a Southland Girl who majored in …

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Hope and Sons Art Awards - Entries Open.

Hope and Sons Art Awards - Entries Open.

Mon, 1 December 2025 - Fri, 30 January 2026 @ Entries Now Open.

Call for Entries to the Hope and Sons Art Awards 2026, in conjunction with …

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Central Cinema - National Theatre Live: Mrs Warren’s Profession.

Central Cinema - National Theatre Live: Mrs Warren’s Profession.

Tue, 2 December 2025 - Sun, 7 December 2025 @ Dec 2nd, 2pm & Dec 7th, 5pm.

Five-time Olivier Award winner Imelda Staunton (The Crown) joins forces with her …

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Central Stories Museum and Art Gallery - From Mud to Masterpiece - Pottery Exhibition.

Central Stories Museum and Art Gallery - From Mud to Masterpiece - Pottery Exhibition.

Tue, 2 December 2025 - Sun, 4 January 2026 @ 10am - 4pm Daily

Discover the artistry of clay this summer at Alexandra’s newest pottery exhibition.

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Central Stories Museum and Art Gallery - Chris Priestley.

Central Stories Museum and Art Gallery - Chris Priestley.

Thu, 4 December 2025 @ 7pm.

A Musical Journey into the Past: Rogues, Rebels & Unsung Heroes

Acclaimed folk …

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Central Cinema - Met Opera 2025-26: La Sonnambula.

Central Cinema - Met Opera 2025-26: La Sonnambula.

Sat, 6 December 2025 - Tue, 9 December 2025 @ 6th & 9th Dec, 1pm.

ACT I
In the village square, preparations are under way for the wedding of Elvino and …

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Naseby Photo Competition 2026 (Online)

Naseby Photo Competition 2026 (Online)

Mon, 8 December 2025 - Fri, 30 January 2026

It's that time of year again! Time for Naseby's annual Photo Competition, with fun-filled …

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Central Stories Museum and Art Gallery - Book Launch. "Tuapeka Chows" by Adrienne Shaw.

Central Stories Museum and Art Gallery - Book Launch. "Tuapeka Chows" by Adrienne Shaw.

Sat, 13 December 2025 @ 1pm - 2pm

Join us for a fascinating journey into Central Otago's Chinese gold mining heritage at …

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Central Stories Museum and Art Gallery - Book Launch. "Vincent Pyke - Goldfields Gladiator" by Russell Garbutt.

Central Stories Museum and Art Gallery - Book Launch. "Vincent Pyke - Goldfields Gladiator" by Russell Garbutt.

Sun, 14 December 2025 @ 6.30pm

Many people in Central Otago and Victoria have never heard of Vincent Pyke but he …

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Central Cinema - "Anchor Me", The Don McGlashan Story.

Central Cinema - "Anchor Me", The Don McGlashan Story.

Sun, 21 December 2025 @ 7.30pm

Whether through his influential bands, legendary act The Front Lawn, or compositions for …

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Taiari Wai River Festival 2025 (Ranfurly)

Taiari Wai River Festival 2025 (Ranfurly)

Sat, 10 January 2026 @ 12-5pm

The Taiari Wai River Festival is a music festival with a purpose - to engage the Otago …

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St Bathans Village Fete - 2026.

St Bathans Village Fete - 2026.

Sat, 17 January 2026 @ 10am - 4pm

Join us for the St Bathans Village Fete on the 17th of January 2026.

Stalls, old fashioned …

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Central Cinema - National Theatre Live, "The Fifth Step".

Central Cinema - National Theatre Live, "The Fifth Step".

Sun, 25 January 2026 - Tue, 27 January 2026 @ 25th Jan, 5pm. 27th Jan, 2pm.

Olivier Award-winner Jack Lowden (Slow Horses, Dunkirk) is joined by Emmy and …

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Matt Joe Gow - Ophir Peace Memorial Hall.

Matt Joe Gow - Ophir Peace Memorial Hall.

Sat, 31 January 2026 @ 6pm

Irresistible. Captivating. Unforgettable.

When Matt Joe Gow sings, everything else stops, …

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Central Otago