Gregory O'Brien and Euan Mcleod on the Ship Cove project Photo: supplied
A gateway to Te Wai Pounamu and the Marlborough Sounds, Picton has the capacity to surprise travellers with the range of cultural experiences on offer.
It’s the destination for this week’s Culture 101 Regional Wrap.
Barbara Speedy is the Director of The Diversion Gallery, situated on the picturesque waterfront.
Natural forces exhibition at Diversion Gallery Photo: supplied
The Diversion is unusual for such a small town setting, representing a strong range of leading New Zealand contemporary artists, from current exhibition with painter, Nigel Brown, to curated group exhibitions.
Mark Stevenson Collection opens for tours Photo: supplied
In a similar vein, Picton is also home to the significant contemporary collection of Mark Stevenson, which is open for tours. This private museum has been dubbed “The Te Papa of Picton”.
These are just two of a range of galleries in town.
The Edwin Fox Photo: supplied
The heritage of ‘The Sounds’ is very rich, represented by Waikawa Marae, the Picton museum and a maritime heritage highlight, the Edwin Fox. This ship on display is one of the world's oldest surviving merchant sailing ships and the only surviving ship that transported convicts to Australia.
A recent addition to the town centre is Waitohi Whare Mātauranga, the Picton Library and Service Centre. Drawing on the town's nautical history and offering the community a central civic facility, it combines the library, service centre, community spaces and a pocket park.
The Athfield Architects’ 2019 designed building won several major national awards.
