The ongoing exhibition at Depot Artspace in Auckland, Sex Workers of Aotearoa – a day in the life of, is unique in every possible sense. While challenging the beliefs, the stigma and the stereotypes that surround New Zealand’s sex industry, it is also a behind-the-curtain into an industry still fighting for mainstream space, almost 17 years after the Prostitution Reform Act was passed in 2003, which decriminalised sex work in Aotearoa New Zealand. “But most importantly, the exhibition is about sex workers taking charge of how they want to be represented. We need to tell our own stories. Sure, stereotypes exist, but they don’t represent everyone,” says Jordan Quinn, the curator of the exhibition.

The multicultural expressions of Islamic arts is a collection of treasures from the Christchurch Muslim community, which are on display at the South Christchurch Library between April 2 and 9. The display mainly shows embroidery, calligraphy and photography. It includes four categories which are; architectural art, textile arts, calligraphy and decorative arts.

On February 7, the “Cultures of China, Festival of Spring” performance was held in the Royal Issac Theatre in Christchurch. Along with over a thousand overseas Chinese, those who attended included Chinese Consul General in Christchurch Jin Zhijian, Labour MP Megan Woods, Mayor David Ayers of Waimakariri District, Mayor Donna Favel of Ashburton District, Mayor Winton Dally of Hurunui District, and Christchurch City Councillor Jimmy Chen. During the two and half hour performance, 40 artists presented more than 20 programmes. Most notable among those were the “Face Changing” act of Sichuan Opera, the acrobatic “Balancing on Pipes” act, and singing performances by Yang Hongji and Yin Xiumei.

The Inner City East Multicultural Festival was held on February 11, at the grounds of Linwood Community Arts Centre with the support of the Hagley Ferrymead Community Board to celebrate the cultural diversity of the various communities that are residing together in Christchurch.

The growing Indian community in Canterbury celebrated the Indian Independence Day, which falls on August 15, with full patriotic vigour, home-sick emotions, and festive moods, spread across that weekend.

The Aigantighe Art Gallery in Timaru is currently hosting an international touring exhibition of contemporary Japanese ceramics, along with Auckland and Wellington, as one of three New Zealand venues. The exhibition opened on July 1, and will close August 7.