Eastside’s annual exhibition for artists who are new, or nearly new, to exhibiting is back for 2025 with a huge variety of works from 16 local artists in Eastside and another 10 in the Mini Gallery. This not-to-be-missed exhibition showcases impressive local talent.

Nothing over $600.

Location: Eastside Gallery, 388 Worcester St, Christchurch, free parking onsite.

Arts Canterbury members are encouraged to submit their best artworks for the annual juried exhibition. This year 25 local artists have been selected by three independent jurors: Felicity Milburn, Gerard Smyth and Pippa Judge.

This show is essentially about searching for authentic images in the midst of the noise and glamour that distracts us every day.

1980, filmmaker Werner Herzog lamented the lack of quality images in our lives. In particular, he railed against the “ridiculous and destructive” images in commercials and on TV, which he said we should declare “holy war” against, and argued that civilization was doomed to die out like dinosaurs if we didn’t develop “adequate images.”¹ 45 years later is the situation any different? Are the huge number of images we’re bombarded with daily any good for us? Who better to shake us out of the torpor of rubbish, cliché images than our artists?

14 local artists who responded to our challenge present deeply personal stories – of the inbetween, the hard work behind the scenes or the way the tussle for our attention online can leave us vulnerable, frustrated or substanceless. There are responses to the Government’s treatment of Te Tiriti, of the migrant experience, and the potential of finding different kinds of beauty in contemplating the ordinary, the messy and the imperfect.

Location: Eastside Gallery, 388 Worcester St, free onsite parking

¹Quotes from the short film, “Werner Herzog Eats his Shoe,” (Les Blank, 1980)

This show is a celebration of the 16 weekly classes we have developed and run over the last three years, thanks to funding from the Ministry for Culture and Heritage.

We’ve offered everything from drawing, painting, art therapy, dance, creative writing, multicultural, Māori arts, classes especially for 55+ and especially for kids.

Classes were designed to grow community alongside skills and catapulted the Centre into a hive of constant activity.

And what comes next? We’re pleased to say that thanks to a grant from the Christchurch City Council we will be able to keep most classes running next year. We also have a great exhibition programme lined up that so far includes 7 open calls for local artists.

Keep an eye on our website for updates.