Christchurch Arts Trail

Christchurch is home to a vibrant aural and visual arts community with many studios, galleries, and performance venues clustered together in older parts of the city. The Arts Centre is the major arts, crafts, and entertainment hub in downtown Christchurch. Originally the site of the University of Canterbury, this gracious turn-of-the-century complex (designed by Benjamin Woolfield Mountfort and built in the Gothic Revival style) has suffered major damage as a result of the recent earthquake. It is estimated that repairs will cost millions of dollars and take several years to complete. Although many parts of the Arts Centre are open for business, some areas remain closed for the foreseeable future. A friend of mine is among those who have lost their gallery space. Thankfully, her work is safe. As she said to me, somewhat ruefully, "You'll be seeing me at the office more than usual for the next wee while."