LOCAL ARTS

ENTERTAINMENT

LOCAL ARTS

WITH JADE ALBORN

The Nelson-Tasman region is a hub for artistic expression of all kinds. Theatre, music, dance, and visual arts are just a handful of the diverse creative outlets that are showcased regularly throughout the region. With a huge artistic community that possesses a plethora of talents, our region is not short on entertainment options.

VISUAL ARTS

There are dozens of art galleries and local shops where you can purchase amazing handmade goods in the Nelson-Tasman region. The Little Beehive Co-Op is a little treasure in the heart of Nelson. Founded in 2014 by Paula Ossevoort and Rachael Brown and located at 123 Bridge Street, The Little Beehive is a place where local artists have a place to collaborate and showcase their work. The Little Beehive members are all local to Nelson and all members keep 100% of their profits. With beautiful locally made jewellery, art, clothes and skincare, there is something for everyone. Buying from The Little Beehive is a great way to support small NZ business and local Nelson talent.

The Little Beehive, Bridge Street, Nelson.

The Suter Gallery has a cafe, store, theatre, and art classes. With huge windows displaying a stunning view of the Queen’s Gardens and delicious food and coffee, The Suter Cafe is one of the most unique in Nelson. The Suter Store sells a wide range of locally made items. When purchasing from the shop you support both the artists and The Suter Art Gallery. The Suter Theatre houses 150 people making it an intimate venue that is ideal for live performance. The Theatre hosts shows by local groups such as CUSP, an improvised theatre show for families from Wintergreen Creative. The Gallery also hosts adult art classes led by Mark Dunstan and after-school art classes for 6-13 year

olds.

The Suter Gallery, Bridge Street, Nelson.

PERFORMING ARTS

The Theatre Royal Nelson is the main venue in the region to experience live performance. The Theatre was built in 1878 but closed at the end of 2005. Then on the 18th of June 2010, the fully restored heritage theatre was reopened with 21st-century staging, front of house, and backstage facilities. The Theatre Royal is the oldest wooden theatre still in use in the Southern Hemisphere. At the time of writing New Zealand was under level two Covid-19 restrictions so the theatre was not hosting any live performances. Live shows will be back on the agenda as soon as Nelson gets back to level one.

The performing arts have taken a huge hit due to the current pandemic. An example of this is the annual Fringe Festival that had to be massively re-jigged and adapted into a digital format. Although not an ideal situation this really shows the ingenuity and dedication of the local performers, directors, and arts organisations. Despite these unprecedented circumstances, performing art is still being created and shared. When the world eventually goes back to something approaching the old normal, get out there and support local arts!