Ashburton Walking Arts Trail: Creativity at the Heart of Our Community

The Ashburton Arts Trail is a volunteer-run community initiative, made possible by the generosity and commitment of local people. From organising and communications to printing and planning, everything is done by those who care deeply about celebrating creativity in our town.

The trail began with a simple idea: artists and artisans opening their homes to share their work. That vision has grown into a vibrant annual event that brings Ashburton alive each May.

As a walking trail, participation is kept to those who live within Ashburton, keeping the event rooted in our local community. We are makers from many backgrounds and disciplines — established and emerging — united by a desire to share our work and inspire others.

We believe creativity belongs to everyone. Through Creative Moments, residents of all ages are invited to display artwork in their windows, making the whole town part of the trail.

The spirit of the event also led to the creation of our volunteer-run Artists and Artisans Collective Shop, supporting local makers year-round, as well as opportunities each year for emerging artists.

The Arts Trail is more than an event — it’s a celebration of connection, generosity and shared creativity. When you walk the trail, you feel it: a community coming together through art.