ArtSplash: A Celebration of Young Creativity in the Capital

Held every two years, this much-loved festival brings together thousands of 5–13 year-olds to perform, create, and explore the arts across Wellington’s vibrant cultural hub.

Young people take centre stage in world-class venues, sharing their talents through dance and choir concerts, wearable arts shows, and visual art projects. The festival continues to grow, with new events and opportunities joining the much-loved performances schools know and look forward to.

New in 2025 is the ArtSplash Day Out, an experience connecting students with local arts organisations across the city, including tours, drama, theatre, interactive art installations, art history, circus workshops, music sessions, science, storytelling, and composing.

A special highlight this year is the launch of the ArtSplash “Spark” Design Challenge. Participating schools have been invited to create and submit artwork inspired by the festival’s re-brand and the winning design could be brought to life as a real art installation for ArtSplash 2027. 

The Council extends a heartfelt thanks to all the creative partners making this an unforgettable event for our tamariki: Barbarian Productions, Wellington Museum | Te Waka Huia o Ngā Taonga Tuku Iho, Nōku Te Ao Capital E, Space Place | Te Ara Whānui ki te Rangi, Orchestra Wellington, The Hannah Playhouse, Government House, Te Papa Museum, New Zealand String Quartet, Circa Theatre, NZ Portrait Gallery | Te Pūkenga Whakaata , New Zealand Symphony Orchestra PAYPA, and The Circus Hub.  

ArtSplash is more than just a festival, it’s a celebration of imagination, expression, and the vibrant future of arts in Aotearoa.

Join us in cheering on the next generation of artists as they light up the capital!