Who's behind Make it?

Organised by Arts Council Nelson and supported by Nelson City Council, Make It Nelson is a new annual event, showcasing the region’s vibrant creative community.

With an aim to attract curious arts-makers of Whakatū, Make It Nelson is also designed to attract visitors from across the motu, bringing fresh energy to the city every weekend throughout June.

Make It Nelson is a curated platform for independent creatives, providing the infrastructure and marketing support needed to deliver a programme of multi-weekend workshops. This support enables local makers to teach skills and techniques, share knowledge and ideas, and generate income. For participants, the workshops offer an inviting chance to try something new, connect with others, and experience the satisfaction of making something tangible with their own hands.

Arts Council Nelson also delivers Nelson Clay Week and Nelson Jewellery Week as complementary biennial events, along with the annual Changing Threads textile exhibition and award. Arts Council Nelson is based at Refinery ArtSpace, which has a diverse year-round programme of engaging community-driven and contemporary exhibitions, projects and events that stimulate and strengthen the artistic and cultural life of Whakatū.