First Thursdays Chch, 2014-2017

First Thursdays Chch ran for four years in the Ōtautahi suburb of Sydenham. Modelled on an international movement, it was a one night only arts focussed community event which brought together a frenzy of late night shopping, pop up art exhibitions, a night market, temporary public artworks, live music and more sited in and around local retailers. It aimed to showcase and support local artists and businesses in the economically struggling neighbourhood.


Photography by Janneth Gil, August Penfold, Naomi Haussmann, Blair Barclay, Chris Boyd, Lison Colin, Centuri Chan

On average, First Thursdays exhibited the works of 60+ artists in each event, showcasing a range of emerging and established practitioners in multiple disciplines. Over the course of eight events, approximately 25,000 people attended First Thursdays in Sydenham.

This was supported by the Christchurch City Council, The Colombo, Powell Fenwick, BNS Print, Art Beat and The Social.