Arts Canterbury - Artists supporting artists

Welcome to Arts Canterbury

Providing a sense of community & support for local artists

Artists supporting artists

Our mission - To foster appreciation of the visual arts in Canterbury and to provide support to artists who create art.

Arts Canterbury is committed to supporting the artists, art galleries and other art related businesses throughout Canterbury, New Zealand. As an incorporated charitable organisation, Arts Canterbury is governed by an elected executive committee, whose aim is to continue to provide a range of opportunities for all members.

Our purpose

The declared purpose of Arts Canterbury is to:

• Provide public opportunities for people in Canterbury to develop and appreciate a wide range of art media.
• Support artists in Canterbury to display and exhibit their art.
• Support the artistic communities, galleries and cultural environments in which art and artists can thrive and develop.
• Provide learning opportunities for artists and the public.
• Promote and support visual art and artists across Canterbury.

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Our Membership


Arts Canterbury members often talk about the sense of community and support that they have gained by becoming a member. The opportunities they receive as a member of Arts Canterbury include a variety of exhibitions throughout each calendar year, educational seminars and workshops, a members only facebook group and regular social meetups for members to interact with each other. The opportunity to have their art shared on the Arts Canterbury website and across the different social media platforms is also beneficial, especially for those who may be just starting out on their art journey.

Community

Exhibitions

Education

Resources

Support

Become a Member

Featured Artist

Mandy Palmer

About

I enjoy using several different mediums. Watercolours, graphite pencil, liquid charcoal, acrylics – currently I’m on a mixed medium journey, exploring different processes and incorporating mediums like clear tar gel, glazing fluid or clear gloss gel in with the paints for additional texture and effects.

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Upcoming events

Works by a Librarian and a Pilot | Art on the Quay

January 15, 2026
to February 12, 2026

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Photo Competition | Documenting our Heritage: Mid and South Canterbury

January 5, 2026
to February 28, 2026

Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga is partnering with Rokowhiria, Ashburton Art Gallery and Museum in a photo competition to celebrate […]

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Dearly Beloved: 100 Years of the Wedding Dress | Ashburton Art Gallery and Museum

December 14, 2025
to March 8, 2026

It’s the summer of love at Rokowhiria, Ashburton Art Gallery and Museum, with a new exhibition, Dearly Beloved: 100 Years […]

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