The upper South Island region of Whakatū Nelson is famous for its temperate, sunny climate. It also has a vibrant local arts scene that will swell with an influx of New Zealand and international talent for 11 days on October 20, when the 28th annual Nelson Arts Festival kicks off.

There are 58 events scheduled, both free and ticketed, including exhibitions and performances, parties, workshops, discussions and residencies involving over 200 artists.

Executive and artistic director Lydia Zanetti says the mixture of art forms is “quite mind-blowing”. “It’s wild to consider all of the different ways that the arts touch us as individuals and as communities, and to find ways to celebrate all different parts of the Whakatū Nelson region throughout the program,” they told Broadsheet. The aim is for audiences to feel “excited, challenged, filled with joy and reflection and, ideally, hope for tomorrow and all the tomorrows after that.”

Never miss a moment. Make sure you're subscribed to our newsletter today.

SUBSCRIBE NOW

Zanetti says they sought a mix that highlighted both new and independent voices and Aotearoa arts legends – as well as “holding specific space for Indigenous artists, people of colour, disabled and d/Deaf folx, LGBTIQA+ communities and other marginalised peoples wherever we can.”

Nelson also experienced intense flooding in August, so the festival is poised to bring people together in celebration and connection after a hard period. “Festivals are all about feeling swept up in the frenzy of it all, with whānau and friends and strangers, but all together,” says Zanetti. “In these extremely divisive times, never have these sorts of communal arts experiences that build empathy for our neighbours near and far, been more vital.”

Here are some highlights to check out.

Thaw – October 24
Sydney-based physical theatre company Legs on the Wall is crossing the ditch for the festival and will be performing its famous work Thaw. Three artists rotate throughout the day but there’s always a lone figure isolated on a platform that’s made from 2.7 tonnes of ice – suspended by a crane high in the air. You’re encouraged to gather at any point throughout the day to witness the ice melting in a striking and impressive reflection of the current climate crisis.

Fever: Return of the Ula – October 28 & 29
It was a sell-out show during the Auckland Live Cabaret Season in 2021 and now the critically-acclaimed performing arts collective Fine Fatale is bringing its soulful singing and dancing extravaganza to Nelson. It features “an eclectic cast of Pasifika trans and queer supernovas” and tackles timely societal issues in both comedic and affecting ways – all with the musical trio The Taka Tu Wops and a live band providing the soundtrack.

ScatterGun: After The Death of Rūaumoko** – October 26 & 27
This solo show is written and performed by actor Ana Chaya Scotney (Cousins, The Breaker Upperers*) at The Suter Theatre. At times uplifting and at others poignant, the show explores the challenges of modern times with themes of grief, identity politics, gender, power, race and belonging.

Vikae – October 22
Nelson venue Deville is open as a cafe during the day and for gigs at night – head there on Saturday, October 22 from 8pm to see a gig by Ukrainian-born alt-pop artist Vikae. Her songs are lush and danceable, often featuring ’80s-style synth arrangements and dramatic, narrative-rich lyrics.

Pax Assadi: Handsome Boy – October 21
Pax Assadi has been a key personality in New Zealand’s comedy scene for 11 years, and now he’s embarking on his first nationwide tour – stopping off in Nelson during the arts festival for a couple of shows. He has just co-hosted the latest season of The Great Kiwi Bake Off and released his autobiographical sitcom Raised by Refugees earlier this year. His stand-up usually also draws from his own life, sharing hilarious incidents involving his family and reflecting on his experiences as a first-generation New Zealander.

Wawata: Moon Dreaming – October 23
Dr Hinemoa Elder (Ngāti Kuri, Te Aupōuri, Te Rarawa, Ngāpuhi) is a bestselling author – and her new book Wawata: Moon Dreaming is all about how we can find harmony and a sense of belonging by living in sync with the moon. This event will be a kōrero (discussion) about the book and some of its overarching themes and messages.

Victory Poetry Slam – October 21
This event takes the “slam” in “poetry slam” more literally than usual, with a workshop and performance led by spoken-word artists Sheldon Rua and Talia Stanley at Victory Boxing Gym. Both have participated in workshops at spoken-word community organisation Action Education and now are sharing their skills and knowledge at this masterclass in self-expression.

Nelson Arts Festival runs from October 20-30. Find show and event times and book tickets here.

For more great content, follow Broadsheet New Zealand on Facebook and Instagram.