About Us & Contacts

About Us

The New Zealand International Arts Festival

The New Zealand International Arts Festival is a biennial multi-arts festival held in New Zealand’s vibrant capital city, Wellington. Established in 1986, it is New Zealand's premier cultural event drawing together diverse artforms, artists and cultures to enchant, challenge and inspire the hearts and minds of audiences of all ages and backgrounds.

Shaped by great stories and current issues affecting the world today, the New Zealand International Arts Festival programme continues a tradition of presenting the highest quality classical and contemporary arts from around New Zealand and the world.

In 2010 the Festival delivered over 300 individual performances featuring over 1000 artists from 35 countries. Theatre, classical and world music, opera, dance, jazz, a literary programme, seminars, exhibitions, education activities and free events all make this one of the largest events in Australasia.

While the major focus is on international works, the Festival also showcases the best of New Zealand work - fostering creative and professional opportunities for New Zealand artists through the RESTAGE initiative. Over the years, the Festival has commissioned a significant body of new work, producing plays, operas, music, dance and other events that tell our stories and reflect our culture.

Wellington Jazz Festival

With a reputation for innovation, the Festival also presented the highly successful, four-day Wellington Jazz Festival in March 2009, attracting 75 international and New Zealand artists.

Lexus Song Quest

The Festival also presents the prestigious Lexus Song Quest, New Zealand's leading singing competition. The Song Quest is a proven springboard for young singers and has helped to launch the international careers of previous winners such as Dame Kiri Te Kanawa, Dame Malvina Major, Teddy Tahu Rhodes and Jonathan Lemalu.