Exhibitions
Events
On display
Leonard Bell: Strangers Arrive
Talk
Past event
Philip Carter Family Auditorium
Free
On the opening night of the WORD Christchurch festival, Leonard Bell tells the story of the extraordinary group of European artists, writers, photographers and architects who arrived in New Zealand as forced migrants from the 1930s through the 1950s, and examines how their modernism radically reshaped the arts in this country.
Ranging across the arts, from photographer Irene Koppel to art dealer and printmaker Kees Hos; architect Imric Porsolt to writer Antigone Kefala, Leonard Bell takes us inside New Zealand’s bookstores, coffeehouses, studios and galleries to introduce us to a compelling body of artistic work.
How were the migrants received by New Zealanders? How did displacement and settlement in New Zealand transform their work? How did the arrival of European modernists intersect with the burgeoning nationalist movement in the arts in New Zealand?
Strangers Arrive introduces us to a talented group of emigrés who were critical catalysts for change in New Zealand culture.
Related reading: Talk, Free event, WORD Festival
Event
Hawkins by Rata Lovell-Smith
Join guide volunteer guide Susan Bidwell as she discusses Rata Lovell-Smith's Hawkins in From Here on the Ground on the first floor.
Event
Taranaki by Christopher Perkins
Join curator Ken Hall as he discusses Christopher Perkins's Taranaki in From Here on the Ground on the first floor.
Event
Sign Language Tours
Celebrate Sign Language Week and take a free guided tour of our exhibition highlights with one of our guides and a sign language interpreter.
Event
Oh Baby, It's Art!
A free, guided art tour especially for parents with babies. Buggies welcome.
Event
Art Safari
A chance for pre-schoolers to paint, glue, print, stamp and colour without making a mess at home. Art Safari is designed for our youngest budding artists between 2-4 years old.
Event
Late Night Tour
Take a free guided tour of our exhibition highlights with one of our friendly, knowledgeable guides.
Event
Introduction to the Gallery Tour
Take a free guided tour of our exhibition highlights with one of our friendly, knowledgeable guides.