News

23 Jun 2020

Kia ora to our new Senior Curator Chelsea Nichols

We’re excited that Dr Chelsea Nichols will be joining our team as Senior Curator in early July. Chelsea is a curator and writer with a passion for the ...

16 Jun 2020

Listen: Areta Wilkinson & Gina Matchitt in conversation, Ngā Hokohoko

Join Gina Matchitt (Te Arawa, Whakatōhea) in conversation with Areta Wilkinson (Kāi Tahu, Kāti Mamoe, Waitaha) about her practice, PhD and recent projects.

Nikau Hindin, Rehua, Antares (detail), Kōkōrangi ki kōkōwai, 2020. Image courtesy of the artist

16 Jun 2020

A journey into Maramataka: New solo show by Nikau Hindin opens 20 June

Intricate star maps painted on hand-beaten aute (Māori barkcloth) feature in Kōkōrangi ki Kōkōwai, a major solo show by artist Nikau Hindin (Ngai Tūpoto, Te Rarawa, Ngāpuhi) opening ...

Bekah Carran, And we look and comb our hair, 2020. Image courtesy of the artist

16 Jun 2020

What we cast aside: New solo exhibition by Bekah Carran opens 20 June

What we cast aside: Mystical sculptures cast from everyday clutter.Bekah Carran: And we look and comb our hair opens at The Dowse, 20 June 2020 Mystical and delicately ...

Kaaterina Kerekere, Takuahiroa (video still), 2019. Courtesy of the artist

2 Jun 2020

The future of craft in Aotearoa: Ā Mua opens 6 June

Jewellery that can only be worn in a virtual world; handwoven harakeke battle suits; and digital mōteatea – a new exhibition at The Dowse Art Museum opening 6 ...

Fiona Amundsen and Tim Corballis, production stills from Human Hand (Titan II), 2019-2020.

2 Jun 2020

Micro-cities, biospheres & ballistic missiles: Human Hand opens 6 June

An experimental micro-city, a biosphere to replicate life in outer space, and the largest intercontinental ballistic missile deployed by the US Air Force – three mesmerising places feature ...

8 May 2020

Human Hand: Artist talk with Fiona Amundsen & Tim Corballis

Join artist Fiona Amundsen (2019 Fulbright Scholar & 2020 Walters Award nominee) and writer Tim Corballis in conversation with curator, Melanie Oliver (Christchurch Art Gallery Te Puna o ...

Challenge 1: Do together - Victorian Peg Dolls

4 May 2020

The Dowse Art Challenge: A weekly activity for kids & their parents

Being stuck at home is the best time to unleash your creativity. The Dowse wants to challenge you and your kids to blow away those boredom cobwebs and ...

Neil Dawson, Enlargement (1978), customwood, paint, brass. Collection of The Dowse Art Museum, purchased 1979

14 Apr 2020

About the House: Home-inspired art from The Dowse Collection

From the safe bubble of her own home, Curator Grace Ryder scours The Dowse Collection for domestic-inspired art.

31 Mar 2020

Ngā Hokohoko: Bicultural Transference | Essay by Gina Matchitt

An excerpt from the Ngā Hokohoko exhibition publication by Gina Matchitt, Blumhardt/Creative New Zealand Curatorial Intern.

Areta Wilkinson, Hei Tiki, 2019. Courtesy of the artist and The National, Christchurch. Photo Gina Matchitt.

31 Mar 2020

Pāua, pounamu, gold: Hokohoko in Aotearoa’s jewellery legacy

Ngā Hokohoko opens at The Dowse, 21 March 2020 An incredible pāua chain necklace, pounamu mauri stones and a gold hei tiki: a new exhibition at The Dowse ...

30 Mar 2020

Find joy in the mess: Keeping kids creative in your bubble

"As educators, we encourage play, creativity, mistakes, imagination, mess and exploration! As Mums, we don’t want homemade slime in the carpet, felt pen on the duvet and arguments over ...