It may be into its 16th year, but the Raglan Arts Weekend (RAW) promises to thrill, with new artists, demos and live events set to entertain its fans.
Participating RAW artists are working hard to make it an engaging and inspiring weekend, despite the event needing to work through some major funding setbacks. “We are so fortunate to have creative and bold talent, who add that sparkle to our arts trail,” says Nicky, RAW Co-Ordinator since 2019.
This year, there are five artist openings on the Friday night, and all sorts of educational and inspirational talks, demos and workshops. “There will be plastic waste turned into sculpture by robots, live kinetic painting in Volcom Lane, a UV art musical showcase, hat making, Intaglio printmaking, and so much more,” says Nicky.
Over 70 artists will be exhibiting in 43 studios, including 6 groups and 13 new studios for this year. Sadly, RAW’s Children’s Exhibition as well as the opening Cocktail Launch party at Iso had to be cancelled due to lack of funds. However, largely thanks to the partnership from Rangitahi, the much-loved Hatch emerging artist incubator is still running this year with 17 artists being brought together by Shelley Meek, the Hatch curator for 2026.
“The Hatch is part of the RAW DNA now, and it feels like an incredibly important component of the Kaupapa of this event,” says Nicky.
Other media include painting, Japanese Gyotaku fish printing, 3D printing, stone sculpture, textiles, photography, designer jewellery, graffiti art, glass art, bespoke furniture, mosaics, illustration, and so much more.
Open Studio Trail: Labour Weekend, 24 to 26 October 2026
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