ArtSplash

Wellington's primary and intermediate school arts festival.

ArtSplash is a week-long festival, held every two years, that celebrates tāmariki and rangatahi on the big stage. Young people aged 5-13 can experience performing in world-class venues in dance and choir concerts, as well as wearable arts showcases and visual art projects.

We have an exciting line-up of opportunities for ArtSplash 2025 with new events and experiences planned, as well as the concerts that schools know and love.

Registrations open in February 2025.

ArtSplash 2025

Choir concerts

Āhea | When 5pm and 7.30pm, Monday 25 – Tuesday 26 August 2025
Ki hea | Where Michael Fowler Centre | View on Google Maps

Dance concerts

Āhea | When 5pm and 7.30pm, Wednesday 27 – Thursday 28 August 2025
Ki hea | Where Opera Hourse | View on Google Maps

Note: Times and dates are subject to change to accommodate registration numbers. There is a maximum performance cohort of 50 for dance concerts, with no restrictions for choir concerts. Schools may register more than one dance cohort, but these must be separate performances.

Wearable Art Showcase

Schools can also apply to be a part of our Wearable Art Showcase, which will be built into the programmes for the dance and choir concerts.

Teacher workshops

Teacher workshops to help prep for concerts will take place towards the end of term one, with another one halfway through term two. Visit this page in the new year for dates.

Other events

ArtSplash Day Out

A series of experiences free to schools to apply for. These are suitable for students of different ages and group sizes and may include:

Tours around local art galleries and theatres
Free concerts and performances for young audiences
Educational play workshops
Theatre and drama workshops
Dance workshops

Schools who apply will be given an ArtSplash Host, who will guide groups around the city.

Confirmations of ArtSplash Day Out will be sent out in mid-June. Registered schools who have paid their fee will be given the first chance to apply, the day will not incur any extra costs.

ArtSplash Schools Decorate Pōneke

As part of the concert registration, schools will also be able to express their interest in being a part of our first ever ArtSplash City Art Display. Selected schools will be given the chance to decorate our city with their own visual art. More details to come in the new year.

Key dates

Wednesday 12 February 2025 – concert registrations open
Friday 28 March 2025 – concert registrations close
Wednesday 30 April 2025 – ArtSplash Day Out applications open
Friday 30 May 2025 – ArtSplash Day Out applications close

Who can register?

ArtSplash is open to all primary and intermediate schools within the greater Wellington region. The fee to apply is $150, which goes towards venue hire and logistics. Your school will receive an invoice upon successful registration.

Presented by the Council's City Events Team in partnership with ArtSplash.