Nelson Clay Week Returns to Celebrate Aotearoa’s Thriving Ceramics Community

Nelson Clay Week attracts hundreds of potters and ceramicists to Nelson for a series of exhibitions, workshops and events, to exchange techniques and ideas, and to show their work.

As a biennial event, Hiwa (Arts Council Nelson) is working with Creative Directors Jamie Smith and Tom Baker to create a celebration of pottery, as a craft, an artform and an industry that has had a massive impact on Nelson and New Zealand since the 1950s.

“Nelson has long been a centre for pottery, and we are embracing and sharing the creative knowledge, expertise and passion to nourish and inspire the current and future generations,” said Hiwa Project Manager Andy Meldrum.

“Nelson Clay Week brings together some of the country’s best potters, to teach, and to take part in the workshops. This year, we also welcome some international guests, extending our reach, and cementing this event as one of the country’s essential art gatherings.”

“As the third Clay Week, we know that pottery has broad appeal, and we look forward to welcoming everyone to our free events. We’re particularly enthusiastic about this year’s Potters Square at upper Trafalgar Street, which will have demonstrations every day, as well as the opportunity for everyone to make clay animals.”

Nelson Clay Week has appeal to a broad audience. The exhibitions, Potters Market, Potters Olympics and Potters Square are planned for anyone and everyone.

Creative Directors Jamie Smith and Thomas Baker are well aware that one of the key drawcards for Nelson Clay Week is the connections and camaraderie. “Clay Week is about spending real time with each other, and to build and slip our way to a closer community.”

“Of course, the workshops are at the centre of Clay Week, but we’ve spent just as much effort creating a massive events schedule that has appeal to everyone from experts to aficionados.”

“We’re so grateful to our community and sponsors that make this event possible. Together we can continue to help nurture and grow the wonderful clay community of Aotearoa.”

A core event within Nelson Clay Week is the annual Pushing Clay exhibition of contemporary ceramics, with the Forsyth Barr Contemporary Ceramic Award.

“We encourage everyone to see Pushing Clay, as is a substantial showcase of dynamic artworks from around the country,” says Janja Heathclift, Manager of Tāwera. “The selected works push the boundaries of clay practice and challenge traditional views of the medium. The kudos for potters to be accepted into this showcase is exemplified by the Forsyth Barr Contemporary Ceramics Award.

Organised by Hiwa Arts Council Nelson, Nelson Clay Week is a biennial event, bringing together potters from around New Zealand and abroad to share their passion and expertise. The influx of participants and visitors has a huge impact on Nelson, bringing the city alive with all things clay. It also has an influence on the clay community across Aotearoa, as a biennial event that brings artists together to share ideas, techniques, knowledge and developments, and to ensure that pottery continues to thrive as a craft, an artform and an industry.

 Hiwa is committed to stimulating and strengthening the artistic and cultural life of Whakatū, supporting a diverse programme of engaging community-driven and contemporary exhibitions, projects and events.

 Nelson Clay Week and Nelson Jewellery Week are well established as complementary biennial events, along with the annual Changing Threads textile exhibition and award, and Make It Nelson series of workshops on every June.

• Potters Square – the heart of Clay Week! A free space with daily demonstrations featuring tutors from the workshops. Everyone can have a spin on a potter’s wheel and make little animals at the Clay Table as part of a community sculpture. Look out for the 3 O-Clock Raku! 1903 Square on every day, 3-9 Oct, 11am-4pm FREE

• Potters Market – the perfect way to kick off the week, with dozens of potters selling their wares. Upper Trafalgar Street on Sat 3 Oct, 9.30am-1.30pm FREE

• Pushing Clay – a national exhibition of contemporary ceramics with the Forsyth Barr Contemporary Ceramic Award. Tāwera, 3-24 Oct

• Exhibitions & Showcases – a series of 26 exhibitions and 23 showcases in galleries and windows around town, that transform Nelson into a celebration of clay. Galleries and stores around Nelson, 3-9 Oct (with some exhibitions continuing after Clay Week)

• Workshops – a series of 39 workshops with national and international Many of the workshops sold out within hours of going on sale – a testament to the calibre of the tutors. Various venues in Nelson & Tasman, 3-9 Oct

• NCW Demonstrations – new to NCW20, these twice daily sessions will give insights into techniques and skills. Suter Theatre, 4-9 Oct at 10am & 1pm

• Whakatū Marae – Clay Te Pai Day – Whakatū Marae, Ngā Kaihanga Uku & Hineukurangi Collectives – an open day at Whakatū Marae suitable for all ages. Watch raku firing and buy a buffet-style hangi for lunch. Book online to actively participate in a selection of four workshops. Whakatū Marae on Thu 8 October, 10am-4pm

• Artist Talks & Special Events – the programme is jam-packed with talks and gatherings every day.

• Click here for the schedule & map. Full programme at clayweek.co.nz

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