Te Hikoi Museum Art Challenge

Prepare to be amazed. Immerse yourself in a world where history and creativity collide at the annual Art Challenge Exhibition in the picturesque town of Riverton/Aparima.

Every winter, Te Hikoi Museum invites artists from all walks of life, using any medium, to take part in this one-of-a-kind event. An inspiring mix of experienced artists and those just starting out, the Art Challenge encourages artists to explore history through art, offering a unique opportunity to be inspired by over 8,000 objects from the museum's vast collection, which artists view online.

From September to October, the museum comes alive with a stunning array of artwork which draws inspiration from the artists selected historic objects—each piece telling a story, each artist forging a personal connection with the past. The objects themselves, drawn from the museum's remarkable collection, are displayed alongside the artworks, allowing visitors to see and feel the emotional resonance between history and artistic expression.

Next event date: 1 September – 31 October 2025 (Expressions of interest for artists opens 1 May 2025)
Location: Western Southland
Keen to learn more: www.tehikoi.co.nz/artchallenge

Discover
The Art Challenge is a chance to experience art in a way you never have before. Artists of all ages and mediums—be it sculpture, painting, textiles, ceramics, photography, or even creative writing—respond to the treasures housed at Te Hikoi Museum. You'll see how the past shapes creativity, with each artwork reflecting the deep emotional connection between the artist and the object that inspired them.

Imagine seeing an object, some of which have never been on display, carefully retrieved from the museum's storage, a relic of the past, and then seeing how an artist transformed it into something new—something vibrant, alive, and full of meaning. The Art Challenge Exhibition is an unmissable opportunity to witness this beautiful intersection of history and artistry.

The challenge is more than just an exhibition. It's an invitation to explore the stories hidden in the objects of the past, stories that take shape through the eyes and hands of contemporary artists. The museum's collection, now digitised, online, and accessible to all, is a treasure trove of inspiration, and every year's exhibition brings fresh interpretations and exciting new perspectives.

Not only will you be inspired, but you'll also have the chance to take a piece of the magic home. Many of the artworks on display are available for purchase, so you can own a unique creation that carries the weight and beauty of history.

An Experience for All
The Art Challenge is perfect for families, art lovers, history buffs, and anyone with a sense of wonder. Kids and adults alike will delight in discovering the objects that sparked the artists' creativity while gaining insight into the thought process behind each creation. Many leave the exhibition feeling inspired to try their hand at creating something themselves!

The museum's immersive exhibits, from life-size historical displays to its fascinating geology room featuring rocks from nearby Gemstone Beach, add even more layers to the experience. With a café just a stone's throw away and the stunning Western Southland coastline to explore, Riverton Aparima is the perfect place to make a day of it.

Don't Miss It!
Take the 35-minute drive from Invercargill and step into a world where history is reimagined through the eyes of talented artists. Whether you're here for the Art Challenge or exploring Te Hikoi Museum's history, Riverton promises a day filled with art, inspiration, and discovery

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