The Arts Centre Christchurch
The Extraordinary Among Us
We believe that the extraordinary is not distant or rare — it lives in the stories we carry, the songs we sing, the dances we move, and the words we speak.
The Extraordinary Asian Arts Festival in New Zealand warmly invites Asian performing artists, groups, and creators from around the world to share your talent and be part of this vibrant celebration of diversity, connection, and cultural brilliance.
New Zealand, often praised as “the last pure land on Earth,” is renowned for its breathtaking natural landscapes, inclusive society, and rich cultural diversity. At the heart of the South Island lies Christchurch—a city of gardens, resilience, and creativity. Known for its elegant English-style architecture and lush green spaces, Christchurch has transformed in the wake of past earthquakes, emerging as a vibrant hub of public art, street murals, and community-driven innovation. It is a place where Māori heritage coexists with global perspectives, and where the warmth of its people welcomes artists and dreamers from around the world. A city of inspiration and openness, Christchurch invites you to experience culture in motion.
Organizers：
Everyone an Artist Trust
New Zealand - China Union of Culture and Arts
Supporting Organizations：
Department of Internal Affairs (Te Tari Taiwhenua
Consulate-General of the People's Republic of China in Christchurch
Ministry of Social Development (Te Manatū Whakahiato Ora)
Christchurch City Council
Ministry for Ethnic Communities (Te Tari Mātāwaka)RATA Foundation
Lotto New Zealand
Arts Centre of Christchurch
Everyone an Artist Trust (EUAC) is a non-profit arts organization based in Christchurch, New Zealand, dedicated to promoting global cultural and artistic exchange, advancing arts education, and encouraging community engagement. Guided by the belief that "everyone can create, and art belongs to everyone," the foundation organizes a diverse range of activities, including the Asian Arts Festival and the Earth Day International Youth Art Exhibition, aiming to foster cultural inclusivity, raise environmental awareness, and provide platforms for artists to showcase their work. In addition, the foundation operates the Eager Art School, offering art education programs to nurture emerging talents and promote the integration of art within the community. The foundation's key partners include the New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs, Ministry for Ethnic Communities, Christchurch City Council, Christchurch Arts Centre, and Lotto New Zealand.
A lively day to celebrate the diversity of Asian arts and cultures. Asian Arts Festival is a vibrant arts festival bursting with music, theatre, dance, children fashion show, talk show, workshops, food, an art market, colourful cultural performances and presentations to address the city's cultural inclusiveness and the special contribution made by the wider ethnic communities, especially the Asian communities.
Explore the Beauty of Multiculturalism
A multi-cultural and entertaining atmosphere is specifically promoted in this festival, and it is interesting, colourful, surprising and family and children friendly. The proposed performances and activities are indoors and outdoors, aiming to encourage the wider public to explore the heritage city centre and help the ethnic communities art forms flourish in the Christchurch city centre. As with 2023, participating backgrounds will reflect the communities of wider Asian arts, including the Japanese art, Persian art, Malaysian art, Kazakhstan art, Bangladesh art, Chinese art, Balinese art, Vietnamese art, Taiwanese art, Philippines art, etc., with a variety of art forms such as music, dance, opera, theatre, fashion show, live music, rock band and dancing.
Connecting People
The Asian Arts Festival is not only a cultural feast but also a bridge connecting people. Here, you can interact with people from different cultural backgrounds, share each other's cultures and artistic ideas, and enhance mutual understanding and friendship. Whether you are from Asia, New Zealand, or other countries, you can find opportunities for resonance and communication here.
Moon House
Moon House, a new-wave Christchurch band debuting at the Asian Arts Festival, will be planning a spectacular collection of Japanese City Pop, Acid Jazz, Robot Music, and Rock Music for your delightful enjoyment.
—LINEUP—
Kyle Hsieh (Drums/Arranging)
Francis Roper (E. Bass)
Henry Priebe (E. Guitar)
Tomas Carney (E. Guitar)
Robert Kidd (Keyboards)
Breanna Rickman (Vocals)
Logan Walsh (Vocals)
Monika Duncan (Trumpet)
Thomas Hobern (Alto Sax)
Alec Mark (Violin)
Sára Kádas (Violin)
Henry Nicholson (Violin)
Ilona McLachlan (Cello)
Sho Kubota (Marimba)
The Takumi Japanese Drumming Group
The Takumi Japanese Drumming Group was formed over 15 years ago by a small group of Japanese individuals. Over the years, the club has performed at various events in the Canterbury region. Our members thoroughly enjoy displaying part of their culture through the heart pounding sounds of the Japanese drums. We hope you enjoy our performance.
Ritmo Pilipino
Ritmo Pilipino is a non-profit organization consisting of multi-talented individuals dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich tapestry of Filipino heritage through the art of dance. The group's name means, ‘Filipinas expressing strong rhythmic steps through dancing’, They aim to be torchbearers of Filipino cultural pride through the captivating language of dance that reflect the Philippines' history, folklore, and multicultural influences. By infusing these time-honored dances with modern interpretations, they seek to bridge the gap between generations, fostering a sense of unity and appreciation for our cultural roots.
The UC Gamelan Ensemble
Based out of the University of Canterbury School of Music, this ensemble plays a traditional form of Indonesian music known as gamelan, which is a widespread tradition across Indonesia with many different regional varieties.
This type of gamelan in particular is called Gong Kebyar and comes from Bali. It is known for using complex interlocking rhythmic patterns on various metallophones, gongs and drums of different sizes to create fast, dynamic and exciting performance.
The ECHO
A young Rock band with a tint of Blues sounds with super bass line, killer guitars solos and drum beats that will send shock wave through your body!
Cornermental Rock Band
Cornermental is an Asian pop/rock band. The band was formed in 2019, with the singer, Eric, Nodoka, Honza and Aaron, lead guitarist Glen, guitarists Honza, guitarist Jimcy, drummer Nelson, bass Sam. They have been playing at Chch night market, bars, and events.
Simurgh Music School
Traditional Persian performance group from Simurgh Music School. Founded in 2022 in Christchurch, New Zealand, Simurgh is a community of musicians sharing their passion for traditional instruments of Persia and the surrounding regions of the Middle-East. This performance will feature a Persian percussion group of daf & tonbak drums led by instructor Esmail Fathi, as well as some Persian stringed instruments such as santur, tar and setar.
Written in Sound
The opera‑music theatre production Written in Sound, created by the Shanghai Huai Opera Troupe, is an avant‑garde artwork featuring cross‑border integration between
Chinese and Western cultures as well as dialogue between ancient and modern times. A specially tailored Emotional Rendition Version has been produced exclusively for the Extra ordinary Asian Arts Festival in New Zealand.Centered on letters as the emotional thread, the production incorporates the aesthetic essences of four major traditional Chinese opera genres: Peking Opera, Kunqu Opera, Yue Opera and Huai Opera, breaking the conventional norms of stage performance.It innovatively adopts the performance mode of live solo classical guitar performance paired with virtual‑real interaction of multimedia opera visuals, presented exclusively by renowned European‑based classical guitarist Ye Fan.Bridged by Western classical string music, the work links
the melodious vocal tunes and graceful gestures of traditional Chinese operas, enabling the Eastern charm of traditional opera and the Western elegance of classical guitar to collide mutually and resonate in harmony.With a minimalist stage carrying profound Chinese national style, and modern audio‑visual language reconstructing the glamour of traditional opera, the whole performance interprets patriotism, family affection and humanistic warmth that transcend mountains, seas and time amid intertwined lights, shadows, strings and melodies.
Fashion Show
Children’s fashion show is an important part of the Asian Arts festival. It is a demonstration of traditional costumes from Asian cultures or some costumes with Asian elements will be presented by children who are from Asian backgrounds and/or those who are interested in Asian culture and arts. This year, we will have mums join their children, which will be huge fun.
Bangla Dance Group
Bangla Dance Group, Christchurch is a non-profit ethnic dance group which promotes Bengali music and culture through their dance performances to the wider community of Christchurch, New Zealand.
The word ‘Bangla’ is the edonym of Bengali language which is the official language of Bangladesh and also the official state language of West Bengal, Tripura and Barak Valley in the state of Assam. Bengali is the 7th most widely spoken language in the world. Through Bangla Dance Group, Christchurch, the members, originally from Bangladesh and India, are celebrating their heritage culture and language.
Bloom Art — Olivia Dance Studio
Performance Introduction - "When Will the Moon Be Full" A simple question "When will the moon be full?" carries the tenderest yearnings in the world. The children and teachers from Bloom Learning will gracefully present this classic piece through pure sign language and melodious singing. They will express their concerns and blessings for their loved ones far away, allowing love to transcend distance, flow through their fingertips, and resonate in everyone's hearts.
Bollywood Dance by RDDC
Bollywood Dance by RDDC blends the vibrant energy with modern and traditional dance styles. Their performances are colorful, expressive, and full of joy. Suitable for all ages, RDDC’s Bollywood dance brings communities together in a lively, inclusive experience.
Kirakira Kpop dance
A dance crew based in Christchurch specializing in KPOP and JPOP. We began in the University of Canterbury and have since become an independent dance crew. We have won multiple KPOP competitions and we perform at various events within Christchurch every year. What makes us unique is that all of our members have dance training backgrounds in hip hop, jazz, ballet and more. We hope you enjoy our performance.
Sound of Korea by Ek Cho (Eun kyeol Cho)
Eun kyeol Cho is a Gayageum performer and educator dedicated to connecting traditional and contemporary Korean music. She received her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Korean Traditional Music from Seoul National University and has taught at Jeonbuk National University and the National High School of Traditional Arts. Eun kyeol has appeared at numerous national and international music festivals, cultural events, and concert series, lecture concerts, educational programs including performances. Her artistic practice is driven by a commitment to bringing the Gayageum to new audiences, reimagining traditional Korean music throughcross-cultural dialogue, creative collaboration, and innovative performance.
Voices Co.
Recognised as New Zealand’s leader in Pop A Cappella singing, Voices Co. Academy has earned a reputation for creating some of the country’s most exciting contemporary vocal performances. This award-winning specialist academy combines world-class training with a unique, meticulously developed curriculum that elevates singers across every facet of performance; from tuning and blend, to style, sound, and stagecraft.
Voices Co. offers a full range of classes, workshops, private lessons and ensembles, ranging from Open classes through to award-winning vocal bands. Their unique combination of creativity and passion, as well as expert tuition, has gained international recognition, with Academy alumni moving on to work internationally in the arts and beyond.
Sichuan Opera
Face-changing is one of the most mesmerizing and visual stunning show in southwest part of China. The performer will shift/change masks in the blink of an eye. The artist Fan Yuhang is from Confucius Institute at University of Canterbury.
Afghan Folk Music
Experience authentic Afghan folk music performed by Navid Masher (harmonium, vocals), Aryan Kausari (zerbaghali, tabla), and Liam Oliver (rubab). Formed in collaboration with Simurgh Music, this trio brings the timeless musical traditions of Afghanistan to Ōtautahi through lively and engaging performances.
Ivory King
Kyle Hsieh (Drums), Jimmy Gully (Guitar), and Lachlan McIlroy (Bass) developed their high-energy indie rock sound through years of jamming together from High School to present day, inspired by the likes of Nirvana, Pink Floyd, Brendan Caulfield, Primus and Radiohead. This year saw the arrival of a fresh vocalist and songwriter Breanna Rickman. Long live the Ivory King!
Dance by Olivia Dance & Drama Studio
Sun and Moon Grottoes is a Dunhuang-inspired Chinese classical dance that showcases the beauty of the ancient Mogao Caves. Through graceful movements, it celebrates the harmony of the sun and moon and the rich cultural heritage of the Silk Road.
Blossoms of Crimson Grace - inspired by Tang poetry, this classical solo dance uses peony as a metaphor for youthful grace. Through elegant spins and flowing red robes, the dancer visualizes a flower’s blooming process, embodying the soft, vibrant charm of traditional oriental beauty.
Art
Market
"My art theme comes from Japanese culture
where I have grown up. I especially appreciate its
traditional designs and patterns used in kimono
and love to incorporate them into my art. I use red and black as main colors to enjoy the vividness they can
create. I will have hand-painted ornaments, canvas paints, and other art crafts on my stall."
By Iwane Fumiyo
Visual Art Exhibition
Pūmanawa community exhibition space
10.00am - 5.00pm 19-31 July
The Extraordinary Among Us
🌏
2026 Extraordinary Asian Arts Festival in New Zealand
Call for Performing Arts Submissions
🎭 Theme
We believe the extraordinary isn’t distant — it lives among us, in every heartfelt creation, in every shared culture, in every moment we meet on stage.
✨ Who Can Apply
We welcome applications from Asian-background individual performers, groups, cross-cultural creators, and community-based arts practitioners from around the world.
🎶 Accepted Art Forms
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Traditional & Contemporary Performing Arts
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ance, Music, Theatre, Spoken Word, Opera, Multidisciplinary
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Parade / Fashion / Performance Art
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Community Engagement / Flash Mob
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Suitable for indoor or outdoor venues
📍 Event Information
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Period：19 Jul 2026
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Venue： The Arts Centre Christchurch
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Performance Format： Performance formats may include short acts, full-length productions, concerts, interdisciplinary performances, immersive experiences, lecture performances, and other live presentation formats.
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Recommended duration: Short acts / showcase performances: 5–20 minutes，Full-length performances / productions: 45–180 minutes
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Language：No language restriction. Native language allowed; brief English summary encouraged.
📮 How to Submit
Please email your submission to: lily.l@euac.co.nz
(Or submit via the official festival form – link to be announced)
✅ Notes
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There is no application fee for this festival. Selected performances may be eligible for travel, accommodation, or performance subsidies.
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All submitted works will be reviewed and curated by the festival team based on artistic merit and feasibility. Performance schedule and venue will be assigned accordingly.
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Selected participants will be notified in early June 2026.
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By submitting, you agree that the organizer may use your photos, videos, and program descriptions for promotional purposes of the festival.
The Extraordinary is already among us — and you are part of it.