More than an art show: The creative connections behind the Queenstown Art Show

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Thousands of artworks, artists from across Aotearoa, live demonstrations and a few unexpected performances. The Queenstown Art Show is returning this Labour Weekend, bringing four days of creativity to Te Pūāhuru, the Queenstown Events Centre.

But beyond the artworks themselves, this is an event built around connection. Between artists and audiences, between creativity and commerce, and between the people who...

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Te Wāhi Toi

But beyond the artworks themselves, this is an event built around connection. Between artists and audiences, between creativity and commerce, and between the people who believe art should be part of everyday life.

It's a philosophy that dates back more than a decade, when a family-run arts initiative set out to reconnect artists with their audiences in the aftermath of the Christchurch earthquakes.

An art show born from a need to reconnect

The story behind the Queenstown Art Show began in Christchurch in 2014/15.

In the years following the earthquakes, artists across Canterbury and beyond had lost access to galleries and spaces where they could exhibit and sell their work.

Recognising the need for new opportunities, the organisers developed an art show that would bring artists and audiences together in one place.

The idea was simple: create an environment where artists could showcase and sell their work directly to the public, while giving visitors the opportunity to discover a wide range of art and meet the people behind it.

More than a decade later, that original vision continues to shape the shows taking place across Aotearoa.

"Our vision is to provide artists and the public with a platform to buy and sell amazing artwork in a premium event environment," the organisers explain.

And while the events have grown, the people bringing them to life remain very much a family affair.

Keeping creativity in the family

The Queenstown Art Show is part of a family-run business with South Island roots and backgrounds spanning community arts, transport, and health and safety.

Over the years, approximately 30 family members have worked on the shows, bringing together a wide range of skills to make each event happen.

Even the musician is part of the family!

With art shows held in different locations across Aotearoa, the team has developed a well-established approach to organising large-scale exhibitions, while ensuring each event reflects the place and community hosting it.

"We have it down to what you could call a 'fine art'," the organisers say.

"Saying that, every show is different, having their own local flavour. It is always exciting to see what works and artists will feature at each show."

One recent addition has been an artist freight service operating between events, helping reduce the cost of transporting artworks for participating artists.

It's a practical example of how the organisers continue to look for ways to make exhibiting more accessible for the creative community.

More than an exhibition

While thousands of artworks will be on display, one of the things that makes the Queenstown Art Show different is the opportunity to meet the artists themselves.

Visitors can chat with the people behind the work, hear about their creative processes and watch live demonstrations throughout the weekend.

For the organisers, these conversations are an important part of the experience, giving audiences a glimpse into the skills, ideas and techniques involved in creating an artwork.

And there's plenty more to discover.

Art materials companies Liquitex NZ and Winsor & Newton NZ will have a stand where visitors can try different materials, with opportunities for children to get creative too.

Performance artist The Space Cowboy will also return to the show, bringing another creative dimension to the weekend.

For those interested in discovering new talent, the exhibition will feature award-winning artworks, including ten artists exhibiting works for the Pink People's Choice Award. The show's VIP Preview will also see the announcement of art awards, while giving visitors an early opportunity to view and purchase artworks.

The organisers are particularly excited about the sculpture appearing at this year's Queenstown event, with large-scale pieces among the thousands of works on display.

It's this combination of discovering new art, meeting its makers and seeing creativity in action that the team hopes will appeal to visitors of all ages.

Art is for everyone

At the heart of the Queenstown Art Show is a belief that art should be part of everyday life.

The organisers are passionate about creating opportunities for artists to build sustainable creative careers, while encouraging more people to discover the enjoyment of living with original artwork.

Their guiding idea is simple: Art is for Everyone.

It's a philosophy that extends beyond the exhibitions themselves.

The team wants to see artists celebrated, supported and recognised for the value they bring to their communities. Equally, they hope to make buying and collecting original art feel more accessible to people who may never have considered it before.

Their vision is for people to see having an original artwork in their home as something just as important to their surroundings as the furniture they choose.

Looking ahead, the organisers are continuing to expand their programme, with six events planned across Aotearoa in 2027.

They're also keen to strengthen their connections with local creative communities.

While exhibitor spaces for the 2026 Queenstown Art Show are now full, the organisers are offering an opportunity to sponsor a local community arts group to exhibit at their 2027 event.

Community groups interested in getting involved can contact [email protected].

Experience the Queenstown Art Show this Labour Weekend

The Queenstown Art Show takes place from 23–26 October 2026 at Te Pūāhuru, the Queenstown Events Centre in Frankton.

The event begins with a VIP Preview and Opening Night on Friday 23 October, followed by three public exhibition days across Labour Weekend.

Whether you're an established art collector, curious about starting your own collection, or simply enjoy discovering the creativity of others, the show offers an opportunity to explore thousands of artworks and meet the people who create them.

And with artists travelling from around Aotearoa and beyond, it's also a chance to see a diverse range of creative practices brought together right here in Queenstown.