Alzheimers Marlborough Arts Trail & Gala Evening with Guest Speaker Michael Hurst

Discover over 50 artists, explore working studios and galleries across Marlborough, and celebrate creativity while supporting the important work of Alzheimers Marlborough.

Now in its fifth year, the Alzheimers Arts Trail has become one of Marlborough's most anticipated annual arts events.

Taking place on 19 & 20 September 2026, the Trail showcases the depth and diversity of artistic talent across the region, inviting visitors to step inside studios and exhibition spaces, meet the artists behind the work, and experience creativity in a uniquely personal way.

Featuring more artists than ever before, the 2026 Arts Trail celebrates Marlborough's vibrant creative community while raising vital funds to support the important work of Alzheimers Marlborough.

GALA OPENING EVENING

Saturday 12 September 2026
6.00pm – 8.30pm
Hosted by Oak & Ivy

Launch the Alzheimers Arts Trail in style at this special Gala Opening Evening.

Enjoy a relaxed and vibrant evening featuring delicious canapés and Hunters Wines, while hearing from our special guest speaker, Michael Hurst.

With a career spanning more than three decades, Michael Hurst is one of New Zealand's most respected actors and directors. Alongside Jennifer Ward-Lealand, he recently starred in the acclaimed production In Other Words, a powerful and moving play exploring the impact of Alzheimer's disease.

Michael will share stories from his remarkable career in the performing arts and reflect on the emotional journey of bringing In Other Words to the stage.

The evening will also feature a live art auction, with proceeds helping support the important work of Alzheimers Marlborough.

A wonderful evening of conversation, creativity and community.

Tickets: $55 per person
Available via Eventbrite.

ALZHEIMERS ARTS TRAIL

Saturday 19 & Sunday 20 September 2026
10.00am – 4.00pm daily
Locations: Studios and galleries across Marlborough

Spend two days exploring Marlborough's studios and galleries at your own pace. Meet the artists, watch creativity in action, discover new favourites, and purchase original artwork directly from the makers.

What to expect:
55 participating artists
Open studios and gallery spaces
Meet-the-artist experiences
A wide range of artistic styles and mediums
Opportunities to purchase original artwork
Devonshire Teas served at the Alzheimers Centre

Visitors will receive a comprehensive Arts Trail brochure, complete with a trail map, artist information and locations, allowing you to plan your own personalised journey through Marlborough's vibrant creative community.

Tickets $30 per person

Tickets are available online via Eventbrite or in person from:
Alzheimers Marlborough, 8 Wither Road
Marlborough Art Gallery Te Kahu o Waipuna

SILENT ART AUCTION

In the lead-up to the Arts Trail, browse and bid on an outstanding collection of donated artworks in the Silent Art Auction.

The exhibition will be on display at The Wine + Food Experience, 42 Alfred Street, Blenheim, from mid-August, with proceeds helping support the important work of Alzheimers Marlborough.