Opening Weekend

Te Whare o Rehua Sarjeant Gallery is opening its doors after a major redevelopment, marking the beginning of the Summer of Art. This weekend of free events will showcase a rich programme of creativity and celebration, offering something for everyone.

For the full programme of opening month events, please visit our website here: https://sarjeant.org.nz/upcoming-events/

Opening Ceremony Mihi and Exhibitions

- A public Opening Ceremony Mihi will begin at 9.30am on Saturday 9 November, which will mark the first time the gallery opens its doors to the public. This is following a Pōhiri at Pūtiki Marae and a Te Tūwheratanga dawn ceremony to unveil the carved waka, mahau, and additional new mahi taonga.

- The exhibition No Konei | From Here will open (9 November 2024 - 11 May 2025) with works from the Collection of Te Whare O Rehua Sarjeant Gallery alongside newly commissioned artworks, with solo projects by Matthew McIntyre-Wilson, Tia Ranginui and Alexis Neal, and a major survey of works by Edith Collier.

- We celebrate our tamariki in all their diverse self-portrait glory in the collective work Kei Kōnei Au | I Am Here, because ultimately these children are who this place is for — the next generation of visionaries. Showcasing self-portraits by tamariki from twenty two Whanganui primary schools, and completed over the past year, each of the almost 2,000 A5-sized watercolour portraits has been scanned and digitally archived, with the collection projected in the gallery.

Live Music

- A full programme of performance from local and New Zealand musicians, including Anthonie Tonnon, Alphabethead, internationally renowned taonga puoro master Rob Thorne, and violinist and digital multi-instrumentalist Motte, will take place at Pukenamu on an outdoor stage beside the gallery.

- New Zealand Opera School has programmed a superb concert featuring world-class pianist Somi Kim, sopranos Sarah Mileham and Olivia Forbes, tenor Ridge Ponini and baritone Alfred Fonoti-Fuimaono.

- A mass percussion parade and brass extravaganza, led by Brass Whanganui, will weave its way from Drews Avenue up to the gallery.

- There will be Kapa Haka, an amazing opportunity to experience the performing arts of local tangata whenua.

Light Projections and Fun Activities

- After-dark light projections featuring works by Whanganui visual and moving image artists, will illuminate the gallery, creating a captivating night-time experience.

- Fun, hands-on art activities for all ages will be available, fostering a space where people can connect, celebrate, and be inspired by art.

- Food and drink will be available from the Sarjeant Gallery Trust marquee, alongside plenty of opportunities to explore Whanganui’s local food scene.