Why We’re Creating This Directory
Nelson is home to a rich tapestry of creative voices. Yet, too often, artists from different cultural backgrounds face barriers to visibility and recognition.
This project is collaborative and community-led. We celebrate cross-cultural voices, empower people, and ensure every artistic journey is represented with care, authenticity, and visibility.
Their Arts Journey seeks to change that. As part of Cultural Conversations’ commitment to increasing visibility and opportunities for local creatives across visual art, sculpture, music, dance, and more we’re excited to introduce a dedicated platform for artists to share their stories, skills, and artistry.
The directory seeks to:
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Amplify underrepresented voices in our community.
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Connect artists with galleries, businesses, and cultural institutions.
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Create pathways for collaboration, commissions, and opportunities.
Check out the amazing artists below and find out how you can support their incredible talent.
If you are interested in any of their offerings please GET IN TOUCH, we would love to hear from you!
Nerys Ngaruhe
Mauri ora!
He ringatoi ahau, I’m a visual artist, from murals and prints to hand printed kaakahu/clothing. I’ve been creating handmade goods since 2016 when I started my first pakihi/business Camp Mokonui, & painting murals for local kaunihera/councils & clients for my pakihi Active Graffiti Evolvement (A.G.E) since 2020.
Arts
Lucia Zúñiga Cáceres
My name is Lucia, I am a self-taught artist originally from Cusco, Perú and moved to New Zealand in late 2020. As an artist I don’t feel constrained by rules and am driven by inspiration in the moment over careful planning. I create intricate designs using acrylic paints on canvas and let my creativity flow, often getting lost in the fine details and escaping from the trials and stresses of daily life.
Arts
The ImmigranNZ Collective
The Immigrannz Collective is a multicultural band based in Nelson, Aotearoa, bringing a vibrant mix of Rock, Cumbia, Reggae, Jazz, Pop and World music—in both Spanish and English. Born from a chance meetup at an open mic, the group quickly grew into a cross-cultural crew of musicians from different backgrounds. We will turn one year together from our official first gig in September this year.
Music
Tarante
We are TARANTE, a group of women united by a passion for dance, connection, and cultural expression.
Our journey began with Club Italia, where we came together to explore traditional Italian dances for the 2025 Nelson Italian Festival. Inspired by that experience, we expanded our vision to celebrate and share the rich diversity of cultures and traditions that shape our identities.
Dance
Music
Wendy Liu
My name is Wendy Liu, and I am from Suizhou, Hubei Province, China, one of the birthplaces of Chinese civilisation. Influenced by the country's long history and culture, I began learning Chinese calligraphy at the age of five, a visual art form that carries Chinese characters and cultural heritage.
Arts
Nilusha Bandara & Rukmali Jayasinghe
We are Nilusha Bandara and Rukmali Jayasinghe, Sri Lankan dancers who are deeply passionate about keeping our cultural heritage alive through traditional and fusion dance. Our roots are in the vibrant traditions of Kandyan and low-country styles, which carry centuries of history, rhythm, and storytelling.
Dance
Get Involved
If you are a BIPOC Artist outside the mainstream who would like to become involved in the project, or if you want to connect with any of the artists in the Directory, reach out to