Get ready for an unforgettable journey through the arts at The Suter Art Gallery Te Aratoi o Whakatū this year! As part of the 30th annual Nelson Arts Festival, we're hosting a series of exciting events that showcase the best of local and international talent. From thought-provoking exhibitions to inspiring talks and performances, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
Below is a list of the upcoming events being held at The Suter this year.
SLIP
Rebecca Jensen with Aviva Endean
Pastorius Waller Theatre
Wed 23 Oct, 6.30pm + Thurs 24 Oct, 8pm | 50 min
A medieval figure eyeballs the audience, snacking on Doritos to the soundtrack of crunched celery. Live Foley art, cinematic sound and dance meet (un)reality in dancer/choreographer Rebecca Jensen and sound artist Aviva Endean’s ode to the complexity of our current world.
HOUSING FOR ALL
Jade Kake, Henrietta Bollinger + Miriana Stephens
Pastorius Waller Theatre
Fri 25 Oct | 12.30pm | 60 min
From accessible housing design to the tiny house movement, and everything in between, what happens when people step outside the box in housing design and development? Join architect and housing advocate Jade Kake, disability rights advocate, essayist and poet Henrietta Bollinger and local visionary Miriana Stephens, who is leading Te Āwhina Marae’s redevelopment project, in conversation with Min Hall.
OTHERHOOD: CHILDLESS, CHILDFREE & CHILD ADJACENT
Kathryn van Beek, Iona Winter, Henrietta Bollinger + Lily Duval
Pastorius Waller Theatre
Fri 25 Oct | 5.30pm | 60 min
In Aotearoa the number of people who will never have children is growing. Kathryn van Beek, one of the Otherhood anthology’s three co-editors, is joined by contributors Iona Winter, Henrietta Bollinger and Lily Duval for a more inclusive conversation about what makes a fulfilling life.
ENVIRONMENTAL ADVOCATES
Mike Joy + Dave Hansford
Pastorius Waller Theatre
Sun 27 Oct | 3.30pm | 60 min
Conservation advocates Mike Joy and Dave Hansford both know what it’s like to raise their voices, especially when others disregard, or don’t agree, with scientific evidence. They discuss the role storytelling must play in triumphing over commercial and political agendas. Chaired by Debs Martin.
FLY HERE, FLY THERE, MY BIRD
Patricia Grace
Pastorius Waller Theatre
Sun 27 Oct | 1pm | 60 min
Join us to celebrate Patricia Grace’s eighth short story collection, the astonishing Bird Child and Other Stories, as well as her remarkable writing life over almost 50 years. In this intimate kōrero with Becky Manawatu, she will discuss her latest book, her approach to writing and how she has collaborated with her talented whānau.
BLOODY MINDED
Susie Ferguson
Pastorius Waller Theatre
Sun 27 Oct | 10.30am | 60 min
RNZ presenter Susie Ferguson recounts her years as a war correspondent while battling endometriosis and discusses her breathtaking memoir on tenacity and self-belief, which shines a light on a health system that isn’t made for us and proves the importance of being loud with our truths. Chaired by Naomi Arnold.
TENACIOUS WĀHINE
Becky Manawatu + Talia Marshall
Pastorius Waller Theatre
Sat 26 Oct | 3.30pm | 60 min
In her very first festival appearance following the publication of Kataraina, Becky Manawatu discusses the highly anticipated sequel to her bestselling debut novel, Auē, alongside friend and fellow kaituhi Māori Talia Marshall, whose essay collection, Whaea Blue, is one of this year’s most anticipated non-fiction pukapuka. Chaired by Nuki Tākao.
MYTHOLOGY & MYSTICAL REALISM
Rachael King + Lee Murray
Pastorius Waller Theatre
Sat 26 Oct | 1pm | 60 min
Rachael King and Lee Murray both evoke ancient mythological creatures from distant shores in their latest novels: the vengeful kelpie and the nine-tailed fox spirit, húli jīng. In this session they will explore how myth not only maketh mystical realism but also elucidates key contemporary challenges. Chaired by Claire Mabey.
EVOKING THE DIASPORA
Jade Kake + Saraid de Silva
Pastorius Waller Theatre
Sat 26 Oct | 10.30am | 60 min
Multi-generational migrant stories are finding compelling new ways of being told in the capable, creative hands of two of the best debut novelists in Aotearoa, Jade Kake and Saraid de Silva. Both explore belonging and the legacy of intergenerational trauma while mastering a unique way of sharing the diasporic experience. Chaired by Nathan Joe.
TUHAYMANI’CHI PAL WANIQA (THE WATER FLOWS ALWAYS)
People + Water Series
Pastorius Waller Theatre
Mon 28 Oct | 3.30pm | 20min
Dive deeper into the relationship between tangata (people) and wai (water) with our mini documentary film festival; featuring short film Tuhaymani’chi pal waniqa (the water flows always).
KO AU TE AWA, KO TE AWA KO AU – I AM THE RIVER, THE RIVER IS ME
People + Water Series
Pastorius Waller Theatre
Mon 28 Oct | 4pm | 86min
Dive deeper into the relationship between tangata (people) and wai (water) with our mini documentary film festival; featuring Ko au te Awa, ko te Awa ko au – I Am The River, The River Is Me (Aotearoa, 2024).
GAZA SURF CLUB
People + Water Series
Pastorius Waller Theatre
Mon 28 Oct | 6.30pm | 90min
Dive deeper into the relationship between tangata (people) and wai (water) with our mini documentary film festival; featuring Gaza Surf Club (Germany, 2016).
SUITCASE SHOW
Trick of the Light
Pastorius Waller Theatre
Tues 29 + Wed 30 Oct | 8pm | 55 min
A traveller arrives at a border with a stack of battered suitcases. From them, whole worlds emerge… Renowned for inventive staging, Trick of the Light (The Bookbinder) guide us through dark comedic tales told via lo-fi shadow play, dancing hands and a 70s stereo.
MOON
Barnie Duncan + Alistair Deverick
Pastorius Waller Theatre
Sat 2 + Sun 3 Nov | 10am | 45 min
A clown dressed as Napoleon lands on the moon. Bubbles go everywhere. Intergalactic sounds emanate from a spaceman. What on earth is happening on this moon? These new dads have made a show that their kids would like. Bring yours, especially if they’re 7 and under!
SLOW ART DAY
Participating galleries incl. The Suter
Sat 2 Nov | 10am – 4pm
Good art is good for you, and that’s why we’re prescribing you a day dedicated to browsing, looking and listening. Slow Art Day returns with a slow-paced but jam-packed programme of artist talks and beautiful exhibitions all over town.
