Arts & Culture

Overview

Wanganui is a rich amalgam of both Maori and European cultures. The museum and art galleries are amongst the best in New Zealand and the central city shopping areas have been revitalised in recent years in keeping with the colourful colonial past. Kerbside gardens, gaslights, wrought iron seats, palm and plane trees and hanging flower baskets, decorate the main thoroughfare, Victoria Avenue. The restorations are beautifully done and the whole floral effect in summer is blooming marvellous.

The heritage theme extends to cafes, specialty shops, an art deco cinema and English style pubs. Altogether Wanganui is a fascinating amalgam of old river heritage and modern lifestyle without the pressures of big city bustle.

Whanganui Festival of Glass

The Wanganui Glass Festival takes place from 16th to 25th September 2011. It is designed to showcase the incredible talent of our local artists, many of whom having graduated from New Zealand's only Glass School here in Wanganui. Please make sure you take time to view their work displayed in the main street shop windows, at their studios or at the information centre shop in Victoria Avenue. You will be astounded by their creativity, design and workmanship.

Visit www.wanganuiglass.co.nz for more information.

A Creative Environment

Wanganui is probably best known for its art glass scenes but it doesn’t finish there. Visit its many public and private studios and galleries to explore an incredible array of paintings, photographs, glass, sculptures, textiles, fashion, crafts and gardens.

From Maori art, craft and carvings, historic Maori buildings and colonial churches to the Victorian and Edwardian buildings, Wanganui is a heritage city providing much to explore: visit the Sarjeant Gallery, renowned for its historic and contemporary New Zealand art and photography; visit Wanganui’s Old Town to see glass artists at work or take part in one of their classes; visit the Whanganui Artists Open Studios; or simply wander through the city centre and take in the beautifully restored Victoria Avenue, featuring the hanging floral baskets.

Studios and Galleries

Wanganui has a vibrant arts scene with fine arts, glass blowing, and graphic & fashion design.

Fine Arts

The public Sarjeant Gallery houses major collections in photography and New Zealand art. 

The Quay School of Art shows student work, curated shows and group exhibitions throughout the year.

Dealer Galleries within our region are Wanganui Community Arts Centre, WHMilbank Gallery, McNamara Gallery, Whanganui Open Artist Studio.

Private Studio's include Studio 86, The Paint Pit , Don Hunter, Number 8 Collective, and Black Sand Studio.

Glass Blowing

Chronicle Glass Studio is housed in the reclaimed site of the Original Wanganui Chronicle newspaper building and opens it's doors to the public to show finished work as well as glass artists at work at an on-going kiln, Katie Brown is one of only a small handful of full-time female glassblowing artists in New Zealand.

Graphic & Fashion Design

Wanganui School of Design is the most award winning design schools in NZ. Their 20 year reputation worldwide has been built on their award winning experimental work in new media and graphic design.