Changing Threads

12/12/2025

Submissions are now open for Changing Threads 2026!

This Contemporary Fibre & Textile Art Awards and Exhibition will take place between 6th June - 20th July 2026.

Submissions are now open to all artists living in Aotearoa.

Find out more, including how to submit your work via our website: https://www.acn.org.nz/changing-threads

11/02/2025

There's some change happening at Arts Council Nelson and we are looking forward to sharing the good news with you when we can. This requires the full capacity of our team, and has meant that we have had to prioritise our programming. We would like to acknowledge our sponsors and partners, Bernina New Zealand, Nelson City Council, Nelson Tasman Regional Development Agency, Harcourts Nelson & Richmond, NZ Textile Experiences, Fresh Choice Nelson and Dame Suzie Moncrieff.

BERNINA New Zealand
Nelson City Council
Nelson Tasman
Harcourts Nelson & Richmond
NZ Textile Experiences
FreshChoice

We've made the hard decision to defer the next Changing Threads Contemporary Fibre & Textile Awards to 2026.

At Arts Council Nelson, we're in an exciting period of transition. This requires the full capacity of our team, and has meant that we have had to prioritise our programming.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused to our creatives, many of whom we understand may already be working on their entries for 2025.

We'll keep you up to date on progress through our newsletter - you can sign up via our website: www.acn.org.nz

18/06/2024

And the people's choice goes to

Deb Shepherd for for her exquisite Women's Work #1

thread, silk organza, cotton canvas

1100 x 2850 mm

free motion stitch

Woman’s Work #1. A gesture in response to the perceived inequality of women’s work and their value within society.

“Man may work from sun to sun,
But women’s work is never done”. (Old rhymed couplet)

Through the use of free motion stitch as an artistic technique, where the needle acts as the pen, and the fabric, in place of paper, is freely moved around beneath to create the image by drawing with thread. My artwork aims to push the boundaries of stitch as an art form.

She will receive a bespoke piece from the generous and fabulous Benjamin Black Goldsmiths

There is also a special mention for David Carson who came in a close second with Fruit suit for dinner with the Bos


And closely behind that was Sarah Ritchie with her cubist needle felted piece Ewetopia


The lucky draw People's Choice voter will receive a $50 Grocery voucher from MMP (Making More Possible)

We would like to thank all of our finalists and entrants who do such quality work and make this show possible. We will be posting the walk through video with Creative Director Ronnie Martin for those of you who couldn't make it down

06/06/2024

Another amazing upcoming artist talk happening soon!

A noted kairāranga and curator of the He Raranga Kōrero: Weaving Conversations and Kanohi Kitea (The Seen Face); Louisa Paul (Ngāti Koata, Ngāti Toa, Ngāti Rangiwewehi) is generously sharing her kōrero.�

​"I was taught how to weave by my kuia Shirley MacDonald over 30 years ago. Her stories of how and why they would weave inspires my weaving journey today. As a weaver I love how versatile the Harakeke plant is and its ability to connect oneself to people and place through creativity. I’m excited to share my story with you."

Date: 11th Jun
Time: 11.30am
Venue: Refinery ArtSpace

Visit https://www.acn.org.nz/15-yr-celebration-programme.html to find out more details!

05/06/2024

Upcoming Artist Talk on the 11th of June!

Samara Davis is a multi-media artist based in Whakatū who pushes the envelope of tradition in her work that explores themes of identity, biculturalism, colonisation, connection and disconnection through intrinsically made objects exploring the marae and the whāriki (woven mat) as places for connection, understanding and the sharing of knowledge.

Samara walks courageously in the liminal space with deep respect and Aroha. She will be creating a safe and respectful space to also discuss her new work:

He Kura Tai Ao e Hokia
Celebrating the Fall of Colonisation.

Through exploring kaitiakitanga and sustainability, the differing ideas associated with climate change, our body as a natural environment and the interweaving of culture post colonisation.

"Colonisation is something we all inherit and wear differently. Often presented as beautiful and necessary; What will rot, and what will remain after? A noose around my neck or a beautifully woven neck piece, to question and explore how we move forward together. The Taaniko pattern represents the ancient ways of our ancestors as a sustainable support post colonisation"

He Kura Tai Ao e Hokia
A treasured home will always be revisited.

Image detail: Mana Ake

Date: 11th June
Time: 11am
Venue: Refinery ArtSpace

Visit https://www.acn.org.nz/15-yr-celebration-programme.html to find out more details!

05/06/2024

Only three more sleeps until the Stich Bloom Project begins!

A completely collaborative, free and engaging event.No experience is required!

Join local contemporary fibre artist Fleur Woods to stitch a simple bloom onto this ever-growing and evolving collaborative art project.

Date: 8th & 9th June
Time: 11am - 3pm�
Venue:​ Refinery ArtSpace

Visit https://www.acn.org.nz/15-yr-celebration-programme.html to find out more details!

Upcoming Event!

Free event.
No experience is required.

Join local contemporary fibre artist Fleur Woods to stitch a simple bloom onto this ever-growing and evolving collaborative art project.

Date: 8th & 9th June
Time: 11am - 3pm
Venue:​ Refinery ArtSpace

Visit https://www.acn.org.nz/15-yr-celebration-programme.html to find out more details!

05/06/2024

Happening Soon!! You won't want to miss the Fatal Fashion Floor talk next Wednesday.

Join us in a talk to explore how fashion has slain and maimed through time (with a spotlight in 19th and early 20th centuries), as we talk about some of the objects on display in the Fatal Fashion exhibition at Broadgreen Historic House.�

​Afternoon Tea in the gardens will be provided. Numbers limited.�​email [email protected] to register!

Date: 12th June
Time: 3pm
Venue: Broadgreen House

Upcoming Event!

In the incessant drive to be à la mode, fashion has unwittingly condemned both the makers and the wearers of many stylish garments and accessories. From dangerous dyes to flaming fabrics, awful injuries and disease; the litany of loss in our quest for style is long and lethal, and not just to humans.

Join us in a talk to explore how fashion has slain and maimed through time (with a spotlight in the 19th and early 20th centuries), as we talk about some of the objects on display in the Fatal Fashion exhibition at Broadgreen Historic House.

​Afternoon Tea in the gardens will be provided. Numbers limited.​Email [email protected] to register.

Koha to Broadrgreen House would be appreciated.

Date: 12th June
Time: 3pm
Venue: Broadgreen House

Visit https://www.acn.org.nz/15-yr-celebration-programme.html to find out more details!

28/05/2024

We are so looking forward to this one tomorrow night. All are welcome to come and share a cuppa and a chat and no doubt a laugh. We will also have some special 'Headbands for Hospice' created by Global Stitch Up available.

This week we are collaborating with our cousins at Refinery ArtSpace and Arts Council Nelson for Changing Threads.

'Bonds beyond borders' - an evening connecting the threads.

You are invited to join the circle of women to weave stories, memories and find those common threads that give us a fabric of unity / kotahitanga.

​Date: 29th May
Time: 5pm
Venue: Refinery ArtSpace

22/05/2024

Reminder about Bonds Beyond Borders exhitbion coming up next week Wednesday the 29th May at 5pm!

Upcoming Talk!

Following on from the successful 'Beyond Borders' exhibition at The Refinery in 2023, we have 'Bonds beyond borders' - an evening connecting the threads. The Global Stitch up is a creative hub and newly formed social enterprise for migrant and former refugee women.

You are invited to join the circle of women to weave stories, memories and find those common threads that give us a fabric of unity / kotahitanga. Thank you to our divine cousins at Cultural Conversations.

​Date: 29th May
Time: 5pm
Venue: Refinery ArtSpace

Visit https://www.acn.org.nz/15-yr-celebration-programme.html to find out more details!

22/05/2024

Reminder about Sue's upcoming artist talk this Sunday 26th May at 2pm!

Upcoming Artist Talk!

Installation Artist Sue Heydon examines the practice of fossicking for natural materials from mystical locations, to use in her work.

Date: Sunday 26th May
Time: 2pm
Venue: Refinery ArtSpace

Visit https://www.acn.org.nz/15-yr-celebration-programme.html to find out more details!