Nelson Arts Festival receives government’s Events Boost Fund
10 February 2026 – Nelson Festivals Trust is thrilled the Nelson Arts Festival will receive investment support from what was a contestable and highly sought after fund.
Taking place from 22 October-1 November 2026, Nelson Arts Festival is New Zealand’s longest running annual regional arts festival and will deliver its 32nd programme in 2026. Over 11 days, the festival curates and delivers a vibrant artistic and literary programme, showcasing local talent alongside artists and authors from across Aotearoa and beyond.
“This is one of many exciting events the Government is supporting in 2026. From world-class international and homegrown musical acts to sports fixtures and arts and cultural celebrations, these events will bring fans, visitors and a big boost to New Zealand’s economy,” says Tourism and Hospitality Minister, Louise Upston.
“I’m delighted our Nelson Arts Festival has secured this funding from the Government’s Events Boost Fund. The festival is central to our city and showcases Nelson’s important creative sector. We have a big job to rebuild Nelson’s tourism industry after the downturn from Covid and multiple storm events, and the Festival is well timed as an event in the spring shoulder season when we particularly want to grow our visitor numbers.”
Nelson Mayor Nick Smith
The investment support will enable Nelson Arts Festival to present a signature event within the 2026 programme and develop a targeted visitor attraction campaign, showcasing the very best of Nelson’s renowned creative culture.
The funding also supports the festival’s continued development as a regional tourism attraction, encouraging visitors to experience all aspects of Nelson’s creativity, from renowned visual arts and storytelling to the city’s distinctive hospitality, wine, and manaakitanga. At the same time, the intention is for a measurable economic boost for the region through increased visitor nights and visitor spend across accommodation, hospitality and retail.
“This investment comes at a moment of real momentum for our festival and our audiences. Our 2026 programme is taking shape and feels dynamic, ambitious and connected to our place, balancing big moments and reflections of creativity within our region. This funding will not only enable us to deliver a premium event in 2026 but also lay the foundation for our audiences to support similar events in the future.”
Nelson Festivals Trust General Manager Ruth Roebuck
Importantly, the investment also represents a gift to our local audiences, enabling Nelson Arts Festival to present ambitious work at accessible price points to share with the community that has sustained Nelson Arts Festival for more than three decades.
“On behalf of the Board, we are delighted. It speaks to the longevity and reputation of Nelson Arts Festival; the enduring, positive relationships we share with our funders, partners and sponsors and the loyal support of our audiences. It also reflects the commitment and expertise of our team who bring the Festival to life each year. Together, these elements place the Festival in a strong position and this news is testament to that.”
Nelson Festivals Trust Board Chair Ali Boswijk
Nelson Arts Festival will announce their full programme in August 2026 – keep on eye on our socials and sign up to our newsletter by clicking on the link in our footer (below).
For more information: Ruth Roebuck – 02109073524