Recognising resilience

It’s only mid-April, and 2025 is already shaping up to be a huge year for Christchurch’s arts industry – a welcome reminder of our strength and creativity. By Nina Tucker.

Let’s reflect. Flare Ōtautahi Street Art Festival animated the streets as bare buildings became beautiful murals. Painting the city, artists and historians shared stories, while local street art legend Jacob Yikes’ mural behind Distinction Hotel became the tallest in New Zealand. Flare introduced 15 new murals to Christchurch’s arts landscape, solidifying the city’s place as an arts hub.

In March, The Piano hosted The Arts Foundation Te Tumu Toi’s All in for Arts, a free breakfast and speaker series.

Mayor Phil Mauger, new CEO of Nutrient Rescue Maria O’Halloran, and others shared forethought on Christchurch’s creative future. The Crossing’s Airbridge became the temporary home to a divine collection of 80 artworks from South Island’s top artists in April, through Artstart’s first exhibition of the year.
SCAPE Public Art is beginning regular walking tours to explore Ōtautahi’s growing collection of contemporary art in public spaces – an opportunity to discover the meaning behind our city’s art in a 90-minute walk.

Isaac Theatre Royal’s Live & Local initiative is full steam ahead championing the city’s budding musical talents, while anticipation for the new Court Theatre bubbles. The long-awaited site on the corner of Colombo and Gloucester streets is set to open its doors on 2 May.

Plus, a few high-quality art shows come to life soon – the Christchurch Art Show from 24 to 27 April, and Windsor Gallery will showcase its collection on 3 and 4 May.

In just a few months, Christchurch has seen and hosted a range of events and exhibitions inspiring and uniting society. As important as it is to look ahead, it’s essential to reflect and acknowledge our achievements. Our city has come so far, and a reminder of that collaborative creative growth will never hurt.