The artistic talent of Marlborough’s young people will be on show in Blenheim from Saturday August 15.
Council’s Arts, Culture and Heritage Manager Nicola Neilson said the annual FOLIO Marlborough Youth Art Exhibition gave the public a chance to appreciate the NCEA portfolio work of Year 11, 12 and 13 students. The Marlborough Art Gallery at Te Kahu o Waipuna will have a display of the artworks until October 4.
“This year, as part of Council’s Space Create initiative, we have decided to expand the exhibition beyond the Marlborough Art Gallery into Blenheim’s town centre.
“The FOLIO Trail – Bringing Art into Town will feature selected student artworks displayed in local business windows and spaces, creating a vibrant, walkable arts experience that celebrates our young creatives and enlivens the town centre,” Mrs Neilson said.
“This is a great way to support local youth and creativity in our region and also encourage visitation to our Blenheim town centre while the Market Street Revamp is underway,” she said.
Mrs Neilson made special mention of Harcourts and Thomas’s, businesses that have already offered space for artworks.
“There is an opportunity for other town centre businesses to host a piece of artwork in their premises – this could be in a window, on a wall or another suitable space. We’d love to hear from anyone keen to participate.”
The FOLIO Exhibition 2026 and associated art trail is led by the Marlborough Youth Council in partnership with the Marlborough Art Gallery, local colleges and Council. The exhibition artworks are selected by art teachers.
Businesses who would like to be involved with the FOLIO Trail should contact Arts, Culture and Heritage Manager Nicola Neilson on nicola.neilson@marlborough.govt.nz
