Changing Threads

If you've been to a Changing Threads exhibition, then you're probably familiar with the CT catalogue - they've become a collector's item! So much so, that we've now sold out of the 2026 edition.

But wait, we've popped it online so you can still delve into the info on all the artworks. The link is on this page www.acn.org.nz/changing-threads

On that note, if you have a spare CT catalogue from the early days (2009-2019) - please consider donating it to our archives.

Arts Council Nelson Refinery ArtSpace Uniquely Nelson Nelson Tasman

We've been getting lovely feedback on Changing Threads, especially from people who have returned a few times to really give themselves time to look at the works.

One piece that certainly deserves a second look, as well as some considered thinking, is 'Resource Management Act (1991)' by Gina Coatsworth's (Waitaha | Canterbury), which won the Hiwa | Ngā Toi Māori Award ($2000 cash prize).

Gina has three works in the exhibition. Our judges, especially Maureen Lander, were particularly effusive about Gina's work, and their layered meanings.

Gina says, "These works were created as part of a body of work examining my relationship to land and environment, my responsibilities in upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi and my aspirations for tamariki/mokopuna. I followed a kaupapa Māori research methodology, drawing on my knowledge of tukutuku to create patterns that tell stories of deforestation and environmental degradation following colonisation. Our family blankets have become a surface for these new patterns, which have been embroidered using aho-muka."

Changing Threads is on until Sat 18 July, open every day at Refinery ArtSpace.

Nelson City Council Uniquely Nelson Nelson Tasman

Congratulations to all the finalists for the 2026 Changing Threads Contemporary Textile & Fibre Art Awards. It's an absolutely stunning exhibition.

The 2026 award winners are:
- Supreme Award ($5000 cash prize) – Lani Kalapu, Maiden X
- Bernina Award ($2000 cash prize) – Tammy Savage, Cutting In
- Hiwa | Ngā Toi Māori Award ($2000 cash prize) – Gina Coatsworth, Resource Management Act (1991)
- Hiwa | Arts Pasifika Award ($2000 cash prize) – Lani Kalapu, Maiden X
- Hiwa | Emerging Artist Award ($1000 cash prize) sponsored by Dame Suzie Moncrieff and Fresh Choice Nelson – Zarah Stubbs, Be soft, bloodied hands
- Hiwa | Award of Excellence ($1000 cash prize) – Michelle Mayn, Kākano

The 2026 judges are Toni MacKinnon, Director of the Suter Art Gallery, and weaver, sculptor, multimedia installation artist and academic Maureen Lander. “We were impressed by the distinct and various approaches to exploring an engaging with textiles."

"This year it was wonderful to see that the awards were marked by a higher number of emergent artists which gave the exhibition a new energy. Also, it was refreshing to see a diverse range of cultural stories and influences in the art works."

“Started by Ronnie Martin, Changing Threads continues to go from strength to strength as seen in the record number of entries this year.”

It really is a fantastic display of contemporary textiles - we can't wait to welcome everyone coming through Refinery ArtSpace in the next six weeks, especially as this is the final exhibition in the Hardy St space.

Nelson City Council Uniquely Nelson Nelson Tasman