Spectacle in Sculpture: Sculpture Festival Returns with Fresh Vision, New Curators, New Artists, Bold Works

Te Matatiki Toi Ora The Arts Centre is thrilled to announce the return of its 6th Annual Sculpture Festival, running from Saturday 4 – Sunday 19 October 2025.

The Sculpture Festival has become a landmark arts event in Ōtautahi Christchurch’s calendar - a place where creativity meets community, imagination takes form, and the public is invited to explore.

This year, the festival features a new curatorial team. Ryan Dewsbury and Melissa Reimer bring fresh perspectives to the exhibition, following previous Curator, Koji Miyazaki’s return to Japan. “We’re aiming to uphold Koji’s legacy while also showcasing a mix of bold and thought-provoking works from an even broader variety of artists, says Melissa Reimer, Co-Curator. Approximately one third of the 56 participating artists are new to the festival this year.

“Our priority is to celebrate both the skill and the concept, giving artists space to experiment and visitors the chance to encounter art in many forms” adds Ryan Dewsbury, Co Curator.

“We’re thrilled to present this year’s Sculpture Festival. With new artists, stunning works, and hands-on creative workshops, there is something for everyone - from serious collectors to curious passers by,” says Melissa.

The Arts Centre’s Creative Director, Chris Archer, says it has been a pleasure to work with the new team. “Sculpture Festival is both a massive undertaking and a creative highlight. I’m looking forward to people’s response to the new curatorial vision,” he says.

What to See and Do

• Over 350 works spanning small intimate handcrafted objects to large-scale outdoor installations, encompassing object art, contemporary jewellery, and outdoor sculpture in a wide variety of materials and styles.
• Great Hall: View small to medium-sized works, including jewellery, displayed daily 10am-5pm.
• North Quad: Outdoor space hosting large-scale works that can be explored at any time.
• Admission to all spaces is free.

Workshops and Community Engagement

Festival opening weekend will feature ticketed artist-led creative workshops:

• Kids Clay Sculpture Workshop (Sunday 5 October) – make your own sculpture responding to the architecture and art on display with Sharon Johnson, suitable for ages 8-14.
• Create a Clay Vessel with Jane McCulla (Saturday 4 October) – learn slab clay and carving techniques to create a beautiful, sculptural vessel.
• Now You See Me! (Sunday 5 October) – with Tatyanna Meharry and Carrie Dingwall, exploring paper, stitch and print embossing to create small, decorative work inspired by native moths.
• Booking essential for all workshops. Ticket prices range from $30-65.

Supporting Artists and Community

Every purchase during the festival supports the exhibiting artist directly – and contributes to the ongoing vitality of The Arts Centre as a creative hub for Ōtautahi Christchurch. Festival proceeds help maintain The Arts Centre as a place where art is made, shared, and experienced.

About the Sculpture Festival Curators

Ryan Dewsbury is a gallery manager, artist and art installer.

Ryan studied architecture and computer-aided design at CPIT (now Ara) and worked for several years as a fine art picture framer. He is the manager of Form Gallery and creates jewellery under the name Dewsbury Design.

Ryan’s jewellery is mostly minimal and influenced by the Bauhaus and De Stijl movements. Drawing on his architectural background, he creates pieces where proportion, balance, and scale are the first consideration.

Dr Melissa Reimer is an exhibition curator and freelance writer.

At Tai Tapu Sculpture Garden, Melissa curates the Annual Autumn Exhibition, works with the owners to build a permanent collection, and assists a variety of clients with artwork selection, placement, and commissioning.

Melissa has worked previously at the Centre of Contemporary Art Toi Moroki and Chambers 241, Christchurch, and Gallery 33, Wānaka.