New Nelson Arts Hub a home for creativity in the heart of the city

A new chapter for Whakatū Nelson's creative community begins today with the official opening of the Nelson Arts Hub at Millers Acre, Tāwera.  

Tāwera provides artists, makers and creative organisations with a dedicated home in one of the city's most prominent locations. It will also be the home of the arts development agency, an independent organisation with the goal of providing strong pou for the local and regional arts community, delivering funding advice and community arts engagement. 

Located at the gateway to Nelson's city centre alongside the Bus Hub and River Kitchen, Tāwera will be bringing together exhibitions, workshops, a studio and collaborative spaces designed to support the region's creative sector. 
 
The project delivers on the vision set out in He Tātai Whetū (Whakatū Nelson's Arts and Creativity Strategy), which identified the need for a central place where artists can create, connect and collaborate. 

Mayor Nick Smith says the Arts Hub is an investment in both Nelson's creative identity and the city's future. 

“The arts are a key part of Nelson’s identity and this new hub will help us nurture the growing and diverse range of talented craftspeople and artists in the region and support cultural events such as the Arts Festival, Jewellery Week, Te Ramaroa and the Adam Chamber Music Festival. This investment will also help in our bid to be recognised by UNESCO as a Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art."
 
“Council’s He Tatāi Whetū Strategy was developed in partnership with the wider community and the iwi of Te Tauihu. We supported it with investment in our Long Term Plan 2024-34. This new Arts Hub and the new arts development agency that will share this space, confirms Council’s commitment to Nelson’s important arts sector.”  

He Tatāi Whetū (Arts and Creativity) Taskforce Chair Councillor Matty Anderson says Tāwera provides a visible home in the heart of the city for Nelson’s arts community, creating opportunities for collaboration, creativity and innovation while helping attract more people into the city centre. 

“This is more than just a building. It's a place where artists can grow their skills, where visitors and audiences can experience the incredible talent we have in Whakatū and where creativity will continue to shape the future of our city.” 

Redevelopment of the northern end of the Millers Acre building has transformed a vacant Council-owned space and complements recent investment in the surrounding area and the ongoing revitalisation of the city centre. 
 
Hiwa (formerly known as Arts Council Nelson) will rent the space under a community lease, paying peppercorn rent until 30 June 2028, while sub-leases are established. Sub-leasing revenue will help offset costs for Hiwa, with income shared with Council. This arrangement supports both community use and financial sustainability. 
 
The Arts Hub will open to the public with its first exhibition on 14 August. Residents and visitors are encouraged to explore the new space and discover the creativity that makes Whakatū Nelson unique. 
 

ENDS