Dunedin Arts Festival

01/12/2025

Such sad news. Jen was an amazing designer and a huge part of the country's performing arts community - and originally from here in Dunedin.
We had the pleasure of working with Jen on many occasions, most recently with the hit show In Other Words at this year's festival and Emily Writes' Rants In The Dark in 2021.
Rest well Jen RIP.

Taki Rua acknowledges the passing of our dear friend and colleague, Jen Lal.

Jen worked with Taki Rua across many productions over the years, bringing her extraordinary craft to the stories we share around Aotearoa. Her work brilliantly illuminated our stages with clarity, beauty, and a deep respect for the artists and communities she loved working with.

She was a fiercely loyal and staunch friend to so many. Her generosity, integrity, and sharp wit lifted every room she entered.

We will miss her greatly.

26/11/2025

What do you see for Otago’s future? Is it a thriving local arts scene anchored by your favourite Arts Festival? 🎭
Take Otago Community Trust's survey before 12 December and be in to win one of two $250 Prezzy cards! Better yet, you’ll be shaping how your Community Trust supports you ✨
👉 oct.org.nz/whatmattersmostotago

Share your priorities – help guide OCT's $10+ million annual community investment.

25/11/2025

Only two days until NZTrio presents Hypnotique in Dunedin, a diverse array of works that challenges expectations of traditional chamber music. Have you got your ticket yet?

THE PROGRAMME
Elena Kats-Chernin | Calliope Dreaming
Gabriel Fauré | Piano Trio in D minor, Op. 120
Pascal Le Boeuf | Obliquely Wrecked
Lyell Cresswell (NZ) | Moto perpetuo
Arnold Schönberg | Verklärte Nacht arr. for piano trio

Where: Dunedin Public Art Gallery
When: 28 November

Get your tickets here: https://nztrio.com/

19/11/2025

https://mailchi.mp/artsfestivaldunedin/adparnassumotepotidance-17991519
We don't have a festival to deliver in the next few months but that doesn't mean we're not busy - it's a time for funding applications, logistics planning and programme curation.
We do, however have some treats for you in between festivals, including the internationally renowned Paco Peña (a partnership with The Regent Theatre) and the inaugural TAHI Ōtepoti Festival (partnership with TAHI Festival), Nadia Reid and NZTrio.
Also, some very interesting stats courtesy of Creative New Zealand - so click the link to read more.

06/11/2025

Seeking solo performances!

TAHI Festival and Dunedin Arts Festival are presenting the inaugural TAHI Ōtepoti from 15th-18th October, 2026.

We’re seeking expressions of interest from established and emerging Ōtepoti artists (and those from further afield!) who would like to present a solo performer theatre, dance or music show.

Click the link to find out more and express your interest.

bit.ly/TAHIŌtepoti26

03/11/2025

Congratulations to Cindy Diver and theatreworks, whose show Wahine Mātātoa: The (Mostly) True Story Of Erihāpeti Pātahi, which premiered in this year's Dunedin Arts Festival, has been selected as part of the The Court Theatre's 2026 programme.
Tell all your Christchurch friends and family not to miss this one!

Presenting the 2026 Season at The Court Theatre!

With every season, we take our audiences on a journey. Whether you’re with us for the whole adventure or stopping in along the way, there’s something for everyone and every mood in 2026.

Without further ado, and in chronological order of performance dates, our season comprises:

🤣 Scared Scriptless (The Court Jesters) – now bringing double the laughs with Scared Scriptless on Saturdays throughout summer!
🎶 Musical! (The Musical) (The Court Jesters)
🥪 The Importance of Being Earnest
🏳️‍🌈 Rainbow Theatre Festival
🎤 Feeling Afraid As If Something Terrible Is Going to Happen
🎈 Scriptless Junior (The Court Jesters)
🇳🇿 Wahine Mātātoa: The (Mostly) True Story Of Erihāpeti Pātahi
🔪 Death at Murder Manor (The Court Jesters)
🩸 Let the Right One In
🐠 Disney’s Finding Nemo JR. (Young Performers)
⚰️ At the Wake
⚽ The Wolves (Court Youth Company)
🏉 Alone It Stands (Court Youth Company)
🍯 Winnie the Pooh: Trouble in Hundred Acre Wood (The Court Jesters)
💔 Heartbreak Hotel
🏴‍☠️ The Pirates of Penzance (or The Slave of Duty)
💋 Kiss Me Under the Mistletoe (The Court Jesters)
🎓 Plus, an expanded Education and Engagement Programme

We cannot wait to share this exciting new season with you!

Subscriptions are on sale now: https://bit.ly/4oS34x8

Individual show tickets go on sale 1 December 2025.

23/10/2025

Hi everyone, just a reminder that due to performer health, tonight's Luca Ciarla concert is cancelled. Apologies for any inconvenience.

EVENT CANCELLED
Unfortunately we have to cancel our upcoming event Luca Ciarla at Errick's Venue Dunedin this month.
Whist on his world tour which would have included Dunedin, Luca has fallen ill and has had to return to Rome.
For those of you who have already purchased your tickets to the show, Errick's will be in touch soon to arrange your refunds.
We apologise for any inconvenience. Artist health and welfare is extremely important to us, so we know that you will understand this decision.

09/10/2025

EVENT CANCELLED
Unfortunately we have to cancel our upcoming event Luca Ciarla at Errick's Venue Dunedin this month.
Whist on his world tour which would have included Dunedin, Luca has fallen ill and has had to return to Rome.
For those of you who have already purchased your tickets to the show, Errick's will be in touch soon to arrange your refunds.
We apologise for any inconvenience. Artist health and welfare is extremely important to us, so we know that you will understand this decision.

09/10/2025

This is great news! Jeremy's piece Commentary Of Dreaming premiered and opened this year's Festival and it will be great to have him back in Dunedin in 2026.

The University of Otago – Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka Arts Fellows have been selected for 2026.

03/10/2025

For those who enjoyed Jo Randerson's and Barbarian Productions' show Speed Is Emotional at this year's Festival, and want a little more - Jo has a book out! Plus, they have penned an article in the The Spinoff that may interest you too. Click below to continue your journey...

An argument for more clowning in our lives.