Things To Do

Creative Arts Napier

16 Byron Street, Napier South, Napier 4110

Rating: 4.6 ★ (132 ratings)

Details

Creative Arts Napier serves as Napier's vibrant community arts centre, also known as CAN, fostering a welcoming and energetic atmosphere for creative expression. Housed within a beautiful historic building, a Category 2 listed heritage survivor of the 1931 earthquake, it offers a distinct character just a short stroll from the city centre. This esteemed cultural hub, refurbished in 2014, stands prominently near the Marine Parade, making it a focal point within Napier's designated Arts and Culture Hub and a standout destination for visitors.

Visitors to Creative Arts Napier can enjoy free entry to its ever-changing exhibitions of local art, showcased across eight flexible gallery spaces. Engaging art workshops are frequently on offer, alongside various art classes and events throughout the year. Patrons can also browse and acquire unique, locally made artworks and handcrafted gifts, directly supporting regional artists.

This centre is ideally suited for both budding and established artists, as well as art enthusiasts of all ages, offering an inclusive environment regardless of ability or background. Family-friendly, it provides excellent opportunities for casual visits to admire diverse artworks or more structured engagements through creative workshops. Creative Arts Napier truly appeals as a central 'Arts information hub' within Hawke's Bay, dedicated to making artistic experiences accessible and enriching for the entire community.

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Location

Opening Hours

Monday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Tuesday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Thursday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Friday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Saturday: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM | Sunday: Closed

Contact

+64 6 835 9448 | http://www.thecan.co.nz/

Comments

Heather Beaton
8 Aug 2026
5.0 ★
Such enlivening and creative exhibits in themselves and how they are presented. Highly recommend visiting and supporting.
Kristin Hansson
9 Aug 2025
5.0 ★
Great exhibition of senior Taradale high school talent. Very impressed with the talent and variety and how it was presented.
tash mills
9 Nov 2023
5.0 ★
Visited for a particular exhibit "The Secret Keeper" artist Catherine Daniels a truly beautiful soul. The exhibit is haunting gorgeousness had me in tears. The venue is a beautiful building amoung Napiers older classics, its pretty inside and out.
indah nuria Savitri
16 Apr 2022
5.0 ★
Such a lovely art gallery and creative center!

We had an event here, held by Indonesian community in Hawke’s Bay area, KAMIBAY, and the batik workshop as well as the fashion show ran smoothly.

The staff are friendly and very helpful as well.

Here you can also find various works of the local artist, ranging from paintings, artworks, jeweleries and more. I got a pair of hot glass earrings here and I really love them.

You can also enjoy the art work of Dali Susanto, an Indonesian-born artist who stay in NZ for the last 14 years. His works are simply amazing.

It’s disability friendly as well and very welcoming.

For now, mask is mandatory as well.
Jenny Traveller
29 May 2018
5.0 ★
CAN is a fantastic place to visit if you're interested in NZ artists. And it's FREE! Well lit spacious areas are full of beautiful displays. Within walking distance of the Napier City centre it's worth going for a look and if you're driving free parking is available on the road outside. Staff are friendly and helpful and if it interests you, classes are available or spaces to rent for your own exhibition. Put aside some time and do it! PS suitable for kids too :-)

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