Five vibrant artist collectives will take centre stage at the 2025 NZ Art Show, running from May 30 to June 1 at TSB Arena and Shed 6, Wellington.
Following the popularity of artist groups at last year’s show, five exciting collectives will bring a fresh wave of creativity—showcasing a range of art from cutting-edge realism and glasswork to mixed media, youth-led art, and contemporary Māori art.
This year’s featured collectives include:
DYED Collective, Wellington
Founded in 2024 by five Wellington-based artists, DYED Collective combines working studios with a gallery space dedicated to Realist Art. The group’s exhibiting artists, including Ben Dellabarca and Clark Roworth, are known for their striking technical precision and emotionally charged storytelling.
NZ Glassworks, Whanganui
As New Zealand’s leading public access glass studio and gallery, NZ Glassworks showcases works by some of the country’s most collected and respected glass artists. Their presence at the show offers a rare chance to see intricate glass artistry up close.
Space Studio & Gallery, Whanganui
A lively mixed-media hub established in 2012, Space Studio & Gallery presents a curated selection of contemporary works across diverse disciplines. The collective is known for championing both emerging and established artists in an inclusive creative space.
Art Start (National)
Celebrating the next generation of talent, Art Start represents artists aged 15–18 from across the country. Their debut at the 2024 NZ Art Show was met with overwhelming support, and they return this year with a fresh lineup of boundary-pushing works in mixed media.
New Zealand and Māori Art.Com, curated by Darcy Nicholas QSO (Wellington)
Renowned artist and cultural advocate Darcy Nicholas brings together artists working across multiple media. Nicholas, a key figure with Toi Māori Aotearoa, showcased Māori art at the 2024 show and returns in 2025 with a new selection of powerful works exploring whakapapa, identity, and form.
Executive Director Carla Russell says these collectives offer visitors a unique opportunity to connect with the collaborative spirit behind some of New Zealand’s most compelling art.
“There’s a different kind of energy that comes from collectives—it’s passionate, innovative, and deeply community-focused. We’re excited to spotlight that energy this year.”
The 2025 NZ Art Show will feature more than 250 artists exhibiting around 4,000 contemporary works, spanning painting, photography, ceramics, glass, metalwork, sculpture, digital prints and more.
As New Zealand’s first, largest, and most successful art show, the NZ Art Show remains committed to accessibility and affordability, with most artworks priced below $5,000. It’s a space where art is for everyone—whether you’re an avid collector or a first-time buyer.
