New Zealand Festival of the Arts
For three weeks, 21 February – 15 March, the biennial New Zealand Festival of the Arts enlivens the creative capital with astonishing artworks of honesty, bravery, beauty and splendour. Experience theatre, dance, music, literature and visual arts throughout the city and region from some of the world’s leading artists. The Festival continues 30+ years of bold innovation, this year with three guest curators: renowned director, choreographer and artist Lemi Ponifasio; musician and avant-garde icon Laurie Anderson; and comedian and musician Bret McKenzie, each contributing signature selections to the overall Festival programme. Also new for 2020, the ever popular Writer’s programme has been expanded to cover the entire three week duration of the Festival.
2020 New Zealand Festival of the Arts highlights include the return of Michael Keegan-Dolan and his dance company Teaċ Daṁsa with MÁM; our symphonic and ceremonial opening event Chosen and Beloved; Släpstick, an astonishing musical comedy; Dimanche a touching look at the end of the world; and a new immersive rom-com wedding with BLACK TIES. Experience vocal excellence with the Netherlands Chamber Choir (Programme 1 and Programme 2) and witness the diversity of choreography in Trois Grandes Fugues by Lyon Opera Ballet. Our Guest curators also premiere exclusive works to the Festival with Laurie Anderson's concert Here Comes the Ocean, a new musical in development with the National Theatre: The Brief and Freighting Reign of Phil with songs and lyrics by Bret McKenzie and an unforgettable new work by visionary artist Lemi Ponifasio and his company MAU in القدس Jerusalem.
The 2020 New Zealand Festival of the Arts: 3 Guest Curators, 100+ Arts Experiences, 1000s of Conversations Sparked.
Past events
Tours
Dance Pasion Tour
Natallia and John - Tango partnership Dance Pasion - John and Natallia have…
Nelson Clay Week 2024
Two years ago Arts Council Nelson & Kiln Studio had a wild concept, to…
Greytown Festival of Christmas 2024
This winter, prepare for Fire and Ice, when the happiest festival in New…
Puanga Matariki Festival
Ko Puanga te whetū i ārahi i ā Matariki ki te Tau Hou (Puanga is the star…
Madagascar: The Musical
Step into the wild with Madagascar: The Musical - an adrenaline-packed…
Bay of Plenty Garden and Art Festival 2024
Welcome to the Bay of Plenty Garden and Art Festival 2024 where we celebrate…
Winter Whisky Festival
Nelson’s First Winter Whisky Festival is set to take place from June…
Kapiti Concert Orchestra - 2024 Season
The Kapiti Concert Orchestra is an amateur orchestra based on the Kapiti…
Badjelly the Witch Glow Show
Badjelly the Witch, the much-loved, utterly loony Spike Milligan classic, is…
Hollie Smith - 'The Bones Tour' II
Hollie Smith Announces Exclusive "The Bones Tour " Solo and Intimate run of…
Featherston Booktown Karukatea Festival 2024
The Featherston Booktown Karukatea Festival returns for its ninth year of…
2024 NZIHL SkyCity Stampede Season
Watch the fastest team sport as SkyCity Stampede take to the ice for the NZIHL…
Jimmy Barnes - Hell Of A Time Tour
Since announcing his much anticipated return to touring following open heart…
Come Together 2024
MAY - U2's THE JOSHUA TREE JULY - LED ZEPPELIN IV AUGUST/SEPTEMBER - THE…
Devilskin - We Rise 10th Anniversary Tour
Devilskin Announce We Rise 10th Anniverary Tour With very special guests:…
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