Creative week ahead for Christchurch

Ben O’Connell
—
Christchurch will come alive as a series of creative events take the city by storm this week.

WORD Christchurch kicks off 23 August with a dazzling showcase of books, spoken word, performance, and much more. WORD Christchurch 2023 takes place from 23-27 August with more than 70 events over five days at the Piano, Tūranga and other venues. The festival unites communities through storytelling and ideas, giving Ōtautahi direct access to some of the best voices in Aotearoa and from around the world. You can find the full programme at wordchristchurch.co.nz.

25 August marks the opening night of the Arts Canterbury Art Show from 7-9:30pm. More than 70 Arts Canterbury members will be exhibiting at the second Arts Canterbury Art Show at The Cashmere Club. Meet the artists at the ticketed opening night and enjoy the first opportunity to purchase the artworks on show. This is a cash-and-carry event, which means the buyer gets to take their art purchases home with them straight away. Glass, Oamaru Stone, and driftwood artworks appeal as much as traditional paintings. Tickets are $25. Head to artscanterbury.org.nz for more info.

Lastly, 27 August sees the Otautahi Zinefest return for 2023. Zines are small self-published books that can contain anything from poetry, to photography, to illustration. See how they’re made, and have a go at making your own. Head to Christchurch Art Gallery – Te Puna o Waiwhetū, corner of Worcester Boulevard and Montreal St, Christchurch from 11-4pm Sunday 27 August. This free event is R14, as are two zine workshops earlier in the week. Head to their Facebook page @otautahizinefest.