Artstart 2025 – Celebrating Emerging Creatives
Exhibition Information
- Dates: Friday 4 April to Thursday 17 April
- Open Hours: 8am–6pm daily
- Cost: Free entry
- Location: The Crossing Airbridge, Level 1, The Crossing, Christchurch
Prepare to immerse yourself in a vibrant display of youthful artistry, where the talents of students from Te Waipounamu are brought to life in a professional setting. Artstart’s upcoming exhibition showcases a collection of works from promising creatives, complemented by contributions from established local artists. With free entry and an accessible central location, this is the perfect outing for art enthusiasts, fashion-forward shoppers, and anyone who loves to champion local talent.
At the heart of Artstart’s mission is a desire to rescue student artwork from the fate of being tucked away or, worse yet, thrown out. By providing professional framing and by covering production costs for limited edition prints, these budding artists are given genuine support to present their pieces in a fresh and engaging space. In addition, any sales revenue goes directly to the artists, making every purchase a tangible investment in the future of local culture and creativity.
From collectors seeking the next emerging star to visitors who are simply curious about fresh perspectives, the exhibition has broad appeal. Whether you find a piece to hang in your home or simply want to savour the energy of new ideas, you’ll leave feeling inspired about the direction of visual arts in Aotearoa. Artstart also goes one step further by offering a yearly scholarship, aiming to keep the creative spark burning for one standout participant per region with a generous support package.
The Crossing, your boutique destination for the best in local and international fashion, provides a stunning backdrop for this two-week exhibition. Situated within a dynamic retail precinct that blends heritage façades with a modern architectural flair, The Crossing is the beating heart of Christchurch’s central city shopping scene. Visitors can wander enticing laneways, soak up a range of eateries, and discover exciting beauty and lifestyle brands before heading up to the Airbridge on Level 1 to view these remarkable works.
With a thoughtful combination of restored heritage elements and contemporary design features, The Crossing offers a memorable, vibrant environment for every visitor. It’s a place that tells the story of Christchurch’s past while boldly embracing its future. As you browse the exhibition, you’ll be surrounded by everything from carefully preserved building façades to striking contemporary art installations – it’s a location that perfectly mirrors Artstart’s blend of tradition and innovation.
Open from 9am–6pm on weekdays and 10am–5pm on weekends, The Crossing invites you to take your time, whether you’re picking out a new outfit or pausing to admire a future masterpiece. Being the only central city shopping precinct where you can park, shop, and dine in one place, it offers unmatched convenience for both locals and visitors.
Come along and be part of this community-wide celebration of emerging talent. Support these young creatives by exploring their art, sharing your enthusiasm, or even taking home an original or print. Artstart’s vision is to uplift these promising voices and energise our local art scene – all while providing a boutique shopping and leisure experience that captures the best of Christchurch’s evolving identity. We look forward to welcoming you.
Find out more about Artstart here: https://artstart.co.nz/