The region has a strong reputation as a centre for the creation and celebration of sculpture. At the core of this is the Mac’s Sculpture Symposium, New Zealand’s most dynamic celebration of 3-D art. Art, engineering and design collide with spectacular results at this multimedia symposium, which has been a highlight of the annual Nelson Arts Festival since 1996. Each year 12 artists are invited to take part in the event that sees part of the city transformed into an open air workshop and gallery for two weeks before a dramatic auction of the completed works. The symposium has seen some of the biggest names in New Zealand sculpture, like Warren Viscoe and Para Matchitt, take part as well as the emergence of top Nelson artists like Grant Scott and Grant Palliser.

Works by national and local sculptors can also be found throughout the region. From when you first arrive at Nelson’s i-site, you know you are in a place that celebrates art. An enlarged brooch by jeweller Gavin Hitchings welcomes you to the region, wooden panels by Tasman based sculptor Tim Wraight introduces you to the rivers, flora and fauna of the region, tukutuku panels by Maori weavers from across the region adorn the information counters and then take a rest on the seating newly designed and installed around the centre for your enjoyment.

Through the sculpture works across our region we welcome you, tell our stories and show off our talent. Come, see and touch them so you can know us.

Visit Profile of the artist

Derek Ball
Ken Laws
Jay van der Reijden
Grant Palliser
John Wolter
Anne Rush

Other Members

Arthouse Architecture Ltd.

Joyce Ballance

Janet Bathgate

Tim Bleackley

Paula Cunniffe

Fibreactive Creatures

Darryl Frost

John Grooby

Maureen Hart

Margaret Johnston

David Kemp

Michael MacMillan

Mantis Workshop

Bruce Mitchell

Lorraine/Trevor Polglase

Primitiv Pots

Tim Royall

Graham Snowden

Janine Scot-Dickins

Julie Te Tai

Greta Tapper

Lynn Whitford

Tim Wraight